Mechatronics Engineer Ii/senior

Mechatronics Engineer II/Senior

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 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 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 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. 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. Whether it's a 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.

Mechatronics Engineer II/Senior

As a Mechatronics Engineer at Rocket Lab's Silver Spring, Maryland location, you will develop innovative electromechanical systems for product development, test and analysis. This facility manufactures satellite mechanisms; their products include separation systems, on-orbit devices, and other electromechanical deployables. Rocket Lab's commitment to improving life on earth by going to space is built upon a foundation of hard-working and motivated individuals that collaborate, challenge and have each other's backs.

What You'll Get To Do:

• Design, develop, and test electromechanical space systems and test equipment
• Improve and automate test processes
• Design and implement systems for the evaluation of mechanism functionality
• Collaborate on multi-disciplinary teams to ensure all functionality and requirements are met
• Create detailed documentation to communicate the functionality, operation, and performance of products and tools
• Manage and/or support the project lifecycle process, to ensure timely delivery
• Identify and implement quality and process-related initiatives and improvements
• Analyze electromechanical systems via classical and computer methods
• Identify, test, and integrate instruments like IMUs, encoders, dynamometers, load cells, brushless motors
• Design and implement data-acquisition systems
• Design and improve software systems
• Analyze data sets for trends and anomalies
• Travel occasionally to collaborate with other Rocket Lab teams

This role can be hired at the Mechatronics Engineer II or Senior Mechatronics Engineer I level.

You'll Bring These Qualifications As A Mechatronics Engineer II:

• Bachelor of Science in an engineering field
• 2+ years of experience designing and implementing electromechanical systems
• Experience in software design
• Experience with electrical circuit and PCB design
• Experience with data acquisition design, signal processing, and data processing
• Experience implementing feedback control systems

You'll Bring These Qualifications As Senior Mechatronics Engineer I:

• Bachelor of Science in an engineering field
• 5+ years of experience designing and implementing electromechanical systems
• Proficient in software design
• Proficient with electrical circuit and PCB design
• Proficient with data acquisition design, signal processing, and data processing
• Experience implementing feedback control systems

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:

• MS or 8+ years' experience in relevant field
• Brushed and brushless motor control experience
• Experience in the aerospace industry and the typical analysis and test requirements
• Experience implementing AI to accelerate development and data processing
• Proficiency in LabVIEW

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 40lbs.
• Must be able to move repetitively, bend or twist, and use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
• Must be able to walk or stand for extended periods – 8 hours min.
• 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.