Senior Optomechanical Engineer III

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services complete spacecraft design and manufacturing payloads satellite components and more all with the goal of opening access to space. 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 rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit all while we work to develop Neutron our upcoming medium-lift reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites payloads and their components including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Labwerenot just launching rockets werebuilding the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space like solar panels flight software star trackers optical systems separation systems radios and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration in-space manufacturing to national security anddefenseinitiatives. The team has built spacecraft payloads and components for missions to the Moon and Mars working with partners including NASA the Space Development Agency and the U.S. Space Force. Whetheritsa single high-performance spacecraft constellation or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR OPTOMECHANICAL ENGINEER I/II

Based on site at Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena CA the Senior Optomechanical Engineer I/II is responsible for leading mechanical design efforts for optical payloads camera systems precision mechanisms sensor assemblies tooling fixtures ground support equipment and electromechanical hardware. You will translate program payload production and test needs into practical opto-mechanical architectures and drive approved designs through design analysis review procurement assembly integration precision alignment environmental test qualification and flight delivery.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on opto-mechanical engineer with strong SolidWorks precision mechanical design tolerance analysis STOP analysis and spaceflight hardware delivery experience. You will help turn optical and sensor concepts into flight-capable hardware that is mechanically robust align-able manufacturable testable and stable through launch thermal vibration and operational environments. You will own technical milestones report status and risks mentor less experienced engineers and help establish practical design standards for reliable opto-mechanical and precision electromechanical hardware in a fast-paced development environment.

(Please note: This position can be hired as a Senior Optomechanical Engineer I or Senior Optomechanical Engineer II)

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Lead assigned opto-mechanical and precision mechanical design projects including defining scope requirements schedules technical risks project milestones and verification approaches.
• Own opto-mechanical hardware through its full lifecycle including design analysis review procurement vendor coordination assembly integration precision alignment environmental test qualification and flight delivery.
• Partner with electrical software manufacturing quality supply chain and test teams to identify requirements perform trade studies evaluate alternatives and recommend practical build-ready mechanical solutions.
• Develop opto-mechanical hardware for camera systems optical payloads sensor assemblies lens and filter mounts etc.
• Design precision mechanisms used with optical and sensor systems including pointing assemblies adjustable mounts focus mechanisms launch locks limited-angle actuation systems motorized stages gimbals and alignment tooling.
• Develop tooling fixtures and ground support equipment used for assembly integration alignment inspection test and production support of opto-mechanical and electromechanical hardware.
• Define mechanical architectures interfaces packaging tolerance approaches alignment concepts and integration plans for opto-mechanical and electromechanical hardware.
• Design hardware with appropriate attention to stiffness thermal stability alignment retention tolerance stack-up vibration environments contamination control manufacturability and ease of assembly and test.
• Perform and support structural thermal tolerance and structural-thermal-optical performance analyses to verify that opto-mechanical hardware meets alignment stability and performance requirements.
• Own complex component and subsystem designs and guide design decisions using hand calculations tolerance analyses FEA STOP analysis prototyping inspection data and test results.
• Support integration and test activities including hardware checkout precision alignment environmental testing qualification testing troubleshooting test fixture development and review of test data.
• Lead design manufacturing and test reviews with engineering production quality supply chain and test stakeholders; document actions and drive closure.
• Create and maintain product definition using SolidWorks including 3D CAD models production drawings interface details bills of material assembly documentation test procedures work instructions and supporting design analyses.
• Coordinate vendors fabricated components budgets schedules and build priorities to support program commitments.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to opto-mechanical design standards best practices design-for-manufacture improvements and lessons learned for Rocket Lab Robotics hardware.

QUALIFICATIONS YOU WILL BRING AS A SENIOR OPTOMECHANICAL ENGINEER I:

• Bachelors degree in mechanical aerospace optical mechatronics robotics or other engineering discipline.
• 5 years of mechanical engineering experience.
• Experience delivering spaceflight hardware from concept through design build integration environmental test qualification and flight delivery.
• Experience designing precision mechanical hardware opto-mechanical assemblies mechanisms aerospace hardware sensor assemblies or electromechanical systems.
• Experience performing or leading structural-thermal-optical performance analysis thermal-elastic analysis or equivalent analysis used to verify opto-mechanical alignment stability and performance through launch and flight environments.
• Experience leading component or subsystem designs from concept through build procurement integration test qualification and production readiness.
• Experience with SolidWorks CAD modeling production drawing creation GD&T tolerance analysis and mechanical design documentation.
• Experience designing hardware where alignment stiffness thermal stability vibration response tolerance stack-up and manufacturability are important to system performance.
• Experience using engineering fundamentals first-principles hand calculations tolerance stack-up analysis FEA STOP analysis inspection data and test data to make design decisions.
• Hands-on experience supporting hardware integration troubleshooting inspection test environmental qualification or precision alignment activities.

QUALIFICATIONS YOU WILL BRING AS A SENIOR OPTOMECHANICAL ENGINEER II:

• Bachelors degree in mechanical aerospace optical mechatronics robotics or other engineering discipline.
• 8 years of mechanical engineering experience.
• Experience delivering spaceflight hardware from concept through design build integration environmental test qualification and flight delivery.
• Experience designing precision mechanical hardware opto-mechanical assemblies mechanisms aerospace hardware sensor assemblies or electromechanical systems.
• Experience performing or leading structural-thermal-optical performance analysis thermal-elastic analysis or equivalent analysis used to verify opto-mechanical alignment stability and performance through launch and flight environments.
• Experience leading component or subsystem designs from concept through build procurement integration test qualification and production readiness.
• Experience with SolidWorks CAD modeling production drawing creation GD&T tolerance analysis and mechanical design documentation.
• Experience designing hardware where alignment stiffness thermal stability vibration response tolerance stack-up and manufacturability are important to system performance.
• Experience using engineering fundamentals first-principles hand calculations tolerance stack-up analysis FEA STOP analysis inspection data and test data to make design decisions.
• Hands-on experience supporting hardware integration troubleshooting inspection test environmental qualification or precision alignment activities.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Masters or PhD in mechanical aerospace optical mechatronics robotics or other engineering discipline.
• Rapid conceptual design and prototype iteration experience including hands-on build integration troubleshooting alignment and testing.
• Exceptional mechanical problem-solving skills and the ability to resolve ambiguous design packaging alignment and integration challenges.
• Perform preliminary structural vibration thermal or thermal-elastic analysis of precision mechanical or opto-mechanical hardware.
• Oversee final analysis and assist with environmental testing production testing test planning fixture design instrumentation and analysis of test data.
• Demonstrated ability to lead assigned technical work communicate status and risks and coordinate with cross-functional stakeholders.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting standing walking computer work and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise dust and fumes in production areas.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 Johnson at 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.