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# Senior Ground Support Engineer I

- **Company:** Rocket Lab
- **Location:** Middle River, MD, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $156,275 - $171,675
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Computer-Aided Design, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Requirements Management, Siemens NX, Openstack Neutron
- **Published:** November 10, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/senior-ground-support-engineer-i-middle-river-md--52a71c35-1da6-4d9a-84a0-506a814dc811

## About the Role

Technical Support, Technical Support, Analysis Skills, Technical/Engineering Design, Machine Tool, Testing, Manufacturing Engineering, Finite Element Analysis, Engineering Drawing, Requirements Management, * Bachelor's degree in mechanical, manufacturing, aerospace, or a related engineering discipline

 * 5+ years of tooling design and analysis experience (or 9+ years of experience in lieu of a degree)
 * Technical project management or manufacturing design experience
 * Advanced understanding of mechanical design principles including GD&T, efficient load paths, structural connections, and material properties
 * Experience designing large structures for critical operations, such as crane lifts, transport, vertical and horizontal structural alignment, and production tooling, * Tooling manufacturing experience in aerospace, automotive, oil and gas, marine, or other large-scale fabrication industries
 * Advanced non-linear FEA, CFD, and heat transfer analysis methods
 * Proficiency reading electrical schematics and P&ID's
 * Experience with metrology via measurement arm or laser tracker
 * Experience integrating hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical power systems (e.g., screws, hoists)
 * Experience developing lift plans and specifying rigging for mobile and overhead cranes
 * Project management experience in a fast-paced prototype fabrication shop
 * Proficiency with Siemens NX or similar CAD/PLM software
 * Hands-on proficiency with hand tools and basic fabrication equipment

## Description

Rocket Lab is seeking a GSE Engineer to support the Neutron Program based out of Middle River, MD. GSE Engineers design, analyze, procure, test, and operate Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and tooling for rocket production, transport, and test operations. This role can be filled at the Level II or Senior level, depending on experience.

What You'll Get To Do:

 * Concept and design production tooling, ground support equipment, and transport tooling based on inputs from manufacturing engineers and the production group
 * Perform structural analysis through hand calculations and FEA to ensure designs meet margining requirements
 * Produce engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructions to communicate design specifications and assembly tasks to fabricators and technicians
 * Coordinate and perform proof testing on equipment to ensure that fabrication and assembly meets the requirements of the design
 * Own the schedule, fabrication, and commissioning/implementation of your projects
 * Provide technical guidance to internal machinists, fabricators, technicians, and procurement team to deliver projects on time