Mechanical Engineer II, Neutron Avionics

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solutionleveragingRocket Lab's proven execution history with the Electron program. Ifyou'reinterested in joining a high performing team and pushing the boundaries of humanity with a clean sheet, reusable launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

MECHANCIAL ENGINEER II - NEUTRON AVIONICS

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, theMechanicalEngineerII,NeutronAvionics,is responsible forthedevelopment and implementationof mechanicaldesigns and packaging solutionsforthe electronics that power Neutron.From cradle to grave, you willcreatethe mechanical components thatenablethe avionics across the vehicle, includingonthe Archimedes engine, GNC sensing and computing, and the explosive flight safety system,toreliablyoperatein extremelaunch vehicleenvironments across many re-flights.Working with fellow avionics designers, you will develop innovative solutions to integrate theavionics,optimizingforcost, mass, and production rate.Youwill be part of a small, agile, and effective US-based avionics teamthatworkshands-onwith the physical flight hardware on the production floorand at the launch site.

The ideal candidate will be experienced inmechanical and structural design,electronics packaging,andenvironmental survivability.You willcollaboratewith a range ofcross-functional teams, including local propulsion and fluids systems,electricaldesign,vehicle integration, and testing sites-both local, national, and global- forthe upper-level assemblies.You will experience vehicle hardware transform fromprototype to production, through various test sites, and ending at the launch site with the full Neutron coming together.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Development of mechanical components and electro-mechanical systems. Includes mechanical design, prototyping, production, test and integration. Execute multiple design iterations in efficient manner, while leveraging technical experience to clear short-term issues and long-term roadblocks. Own the hardware delivery timeline through inception, design, assembly, and test.
• Support and execute hardware testing, including system-level performance validation, Archimedes hotfires, integrated vehicle stack tests, and explosive/destructive qualification.
• Analysis of electro-mechanical and structural assemblies via classical and computer methods. Assess and optimize for downstream performance of physical events being driven and usage across the lifetime of the rocket.
• Contribute to the future, reusable vehicle architectures. Optimize the designs, implementation, and operation to achieve hands-off reusability between flights.
• Travel to vendors and test sites around the United States, approximately 10%.Sporadic travel to New Zealand sites.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• 2+ years of professional experience with mechanical or electro-mechanical design and analysis.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Professional experience with NX, Ansys, or similar tools.
• Experience designing things for stressing thermal and dynamic environments.
• Strong fundamentals in mechanical design, 3D modeling, finite element analysis (FEA), and manufacturing drawing creation (GD&T).
• Professional experience working with avionics designers and exposure to electronics integration and packaging.
• Experience with best practices for design, qualification, and production of avionics systems and electro-mechanical components for launch vehicles.
• Experience with Python or similar software languages and integration.
• Experience with an agile development environment.
• Experience vibration and shock testing avionics, sensors, or similar components.
• Experience with HASS/HALT, HITL testing electronics and designing test support hardware.
• Experience with control systems for electro-mechanical components and systems.

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.