Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Mechanical Engineer II or Principal Mechanical Engineer level) WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: Produce complex mechanical concepts and designs for a wide variety of hardware and projects Work with machine shops and vendors to complete fabrication of designs See designs through to successful integration and test Use investigative and trouble-shooting skills to assess issues and develop resolutions in the lab Work proactively to complete tasks with rare direction Communicate effectively with direct supervisor, project management, customers, and team members across disciplines Significantly contribute to program and customer meetings and reviews Attend technical interchange meetings with team members and other project personnel, and represent the organization in matters pertaining to the development of the project(s) Provide status on assigned tasks and program schedules Provide document review and resolve technical engineering and integration issues Support travel as required, including working off-site QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER II: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline Active DoD Top Secret clearance 8+ years of mechanical design experience on space and/or optical programs Strong computer skills and experience with CAD modeling and drawing Ability to write clear and comprehensive technical documentation QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS PRINCIPAL MECHANICAL ENGINEER: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline Active DoD Top Secret clearance 12+ years of mechanical design experience on space and/or optical programs Strong computer skills and experience with CAD modeling and drawing Ability to write clear and comprehensive technical documentation THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Experience with FEA/FEM Experience with mechanism design Experience with materials engineering and processes Experience with environmental testing Experience with SolidWorks or NX Experience in implementation and understanding of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing Experience as an REA (Responsible Engineering Authority) or familiarity with documentation process controls Experience with mechanical design associated with optical and electro-optical systems Hands-on expertise with optical systems, telescope systems, laser systems, and/or space systems Experience designing optical mounts for use in various demanding applications and environments Experience performing and working in a dynamic and high-visibility role Ability to manage time and resources in order to meet assigned deadlines Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and ability to problem solve Team player who incorporates a team-based success philosophy ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing Must be physically able to commute to buildings Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise WHAT TO EXPECT We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. Important information: FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable.