Senior Mechatronics Engineer

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

SENIOR MECHATRONICS ENGINEER

As a Senior Mechatronics Engineer based at Rocket Lab’s site in Silver Spring, Maryland, you will have the opportunity to design and develop electro-mechanical systems. To be successful in this role you must a ssist with manufacturing and testing of PSC products, along with i dentify and implement quality and process-related initiatives and improvements.You will support the Senior Engineering Manager and Space Systems organization. Join a driven team of pioneers relentlessly tackling challenging projects, delivering on the impossible, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Development of electro-mechanical space systems. Includes design, prototyping, production, and test.
• Analysis of electro-mechanical systems via classical and computer methods.
• Identify, test, and integrate instruments like IMUs, motor encoders, and power systems.
• Run development tests to debug designs.
• Maintain and improve test fixture control and data acquisition software.
• Inspection and quality control of machined parts.
• Occasional travel to meet with customers about PSC products.
• Subject matter expert for electrical soldering and harness requirements and procedures.
• Cognizant engineer to track and support on-time delivery of external customer programs.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• BS in Aerospace, Computer, Electrical, Mechanical, Robotics or Systems Engineering
• 5 + years of experience building and controlling motor driven mechanisms or robots.
• Proficiency with electromechanical systems.
• Programming proficiency in Python, C++, MATLAB, and LabVIEW.
• Electrical circuit and PCB design
• Familiarity with troubleshooting basic equipment issues.
• Familiarity with common manufacturing processes. (e.g., CNC, turning, wire EDM, 3D printing).

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Attention to detail, Strong analytical mindset, and Self-motivated.
• Ability to schedule and work on multiple projects concurrently.
• Effective verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other engineers.
• MS in Aerospace, Electrical, Robotics or Systems Engineering.
• 6 years’ experience building and controlling motor driven mechanisms or robots.
• Familiarity with implementing AI.
• Industrial Interconnect familiarity (CAN bus or similar).
• ROS familiarity.
• Motor controller familiarity.
• Control algorithm familiarity.
• GPIO, serial, analog, and digital signals familiarity.
• CAD familiarity (Solidworks preferred).
• Proficiency in soldering to an industry standard (preferred J-STD-001).
• Experience with data acquisition and processing of electrical telemetry.
• Experience developing GUIs.
• Eagle application experience preferred

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. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

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. Learn more about ITAR here .

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Biow at [redacted]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States’ International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.