What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Optomechanical Engineer I/II position at Rocket Lab USA?
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 Lab,we'renot just launching rockets -we'rebuilding 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 1,700 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. Whetherit'sa 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 YOU'LL 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:
- Bachelor's 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:
- Bachelor's 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:
- Master's 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.
Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.
Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.
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 Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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.
Rocket Lab USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, employment with Rocket Lab USA is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Salary : $125,000