Rocket Lab · 1 day ago
Senior Mechanical Engineer I/II, Space Payloads - Secret Clearance
Tucson, AZ
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expRocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services and spacecraft design. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer I/II, you will support advanced space payload programs, contributing to the design, development, build, and testing of flight hardware.
AerospaceManufacturingSoftwareSpace Travel
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Produce 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 some modest 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
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline
Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
5+ years of mechanical design experience
Strong computer skills and experience with CAD modeling and drawing
Ability to write clear and comprehensive technical documentation
Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline
Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
8+ years of mechanical design experience
Strong computer skills and experience with CAD modeling and drawing
Ability to write clear and comprehensive technical documentation
Preferred
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 and seeks mentorship
Company
Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an aerospace company that provides launch services, spacecraft design, and manufacturing of satellite components.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$1.98BKey Investors
Canadian Space AgencyU.S. Department of CommerceTrinity Capital
2025-12-09Grant
2025-09-15Post Ipo Equity· $750M
2024-11-25Grant· $23.9M
Leadership Team
Adam Spice
Chief Financial Officer
Frank Klein
Chief Operations Officer
Recent News
Sherwood News
2026-01-07
2026-01-07
Company data provided by crunchbase