Manager, Spacecraft Mechanical Design

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.  

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

SPACE SYSTEMS

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team is responsible for every satellite and satellite component made by Rocket Lab: from complete satellites destined for missions to the Moon and Mars, to the individual components and subsystems that make up a satellite like solar panels, flight software, reaction wheels and star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team is made up of engineers, technicians, and designers who design, create, and put together our own satellites for missions across the commercial, government, and defense sectors, or who build and assemble satellite hardware and software that supports other satellite missions.

MANAGER, SPACECRAFT MECHANICAL DESIGN

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Manager, Spacecraft Mechanical Design is a hands-on functional managing position that reports to the Space Vehicle Design Director. Your team will have 6 to 10 direct reports, and you will need to guide and mentor them while working alongside them on spacecraft development programs. You will also need to communicate your technical strategy and work cross-functionally on projects with almost every other engineering team.

Our ideal candidate is someone with a strong mechanical and structural background who has previously led spacecraft mechanical development programs. They will have expertise in designing, analyzing, building, and testing spacecraft structures and mechanisms. They will have successfully led engineering teams through challenging projects and will be comfortable working in a fast-paced development environment.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Perform functional management duties including 1-on-1s, performance reviews, and supporting their career development
• Coach and mentor engineers on your team
• Conduct peer reviews of designs and review drawings
• Perform duties as an individual contributor, including independent design and development work and organizing teams of engineers to execute larger projects
• Work with cross-discipline teams (i.e. Supply Chain, Assembly Integration & Test, Production, Quality) to ensure smooth interfaces and handoffs within the greater Space Systems organization
• Work closely with mechanical engineers, test engineers, and production to iterate through design concepts, with a focus on design-for-manufacture and design-for-integration
• Develop and maintain design standards, documentation templates, test specifications, and other processes

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering discipline
• 8+ years of engineering experience
• Spacecraft/satellite design experience
• 1+ years of experience as a team lead, manager, or technical leader

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Expertise in Siemens NX and Teamcenter
• Expertise in CAD, drafting, and GD&T
• Multiple successes in bringing spacecraft hardware from concept through launch
• Direct experience bringing spacecraft assemblies through environmental testing
• Demonstrable methodological approach to spacecraft design and mechanical development programs
• High proficiency in multiple areas of physics-based analysis and testing
• Comfort executing to aggressive deadlines within a high-pressure environment
• Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues and engineering professionals
• Experience with fabrication processes, including CNC machining and additive manufacturing
• Experience in design and analysis of composites (laminate design, joint design, materials characte