Rocket Lab
Long Beach, CA
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. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. Our Space Systems designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft 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’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft and precision payloads to the components and subsystems that keep them thriving 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 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, a constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them reach space — our Space Systems team enables bold and ambitious missions.
SPACECRAFT MECHANICAL ENGINEER II PIPELINE
We are currently seeking
Spacecraft Mechanical Engineers II
for future opportunities within our space vehicle design team based out of Long Beach, CA. This team supports our Space Systems division and leads cutting-edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. Mechanical engineers are responsible for developing high performance and lightweight satellite deployment systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations for our customers. They also work hands-on with flight hardware and drive the technical development of our Space Systems missions.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
Support the Business Development team with proposals and mission concepts
Develop high performance and lightweight satellite systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations for our customers
Develop concepts and satellite configurations for high value science and interplanetary missions
Define what mechanisms look like on a modern satellite system/bus
Own component designs from conceptual design through production, test, and operation
Perform hand-calcs and FEA to drive design decisions
Lead key component design, manufacturing, and test reviews
Create and maintain product definition through CAD, production drawings, and test and operations procedures
Manage development schedules, vendors, budgets, and other project deliverables
QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SPACECRAFT MECHANICAL ENGINEER II:
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
2+ years of mechanical engineering experience
Experience with CAD modeling and drawing
U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
Master’s or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering discipline
Exceptional mechanical mechanism problem-solving skills
Hands-on development and testing experience
Experience with analysis and interpretation of test data (Thermal, Vibe)
Ability to take a product from concept through to production with little supervision
Highly self-motivated and able to work autonomously
Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering
Ability to apply GD&T to component designs
General spacecraft systems engineering knowledge, and experience with requirements assessments and interface control document generation
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.
Base salary information and benefits are provided as part of Rocket Lab’s total rewards package. Base Pay Range (CA Only): $100,000 - $130,000 USD.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others deem impossible. We value collaboration, and we strive to deliver while meeting tight deadlines.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY :
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations. Learn more about ITAR.
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. We also provide accommodations to applicants with disabilities where required by law. For accommodation requests, please contact the recruiter.
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 include nationality checks to ensure eligibility to access equipment and data regulated by ITAR.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process should contact the recruiter. Eligibility and benefits may vary by location.
Apply for this job
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. Our Space Systems designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft 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’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft and precision payloads to the components and subsystems that keep them thriving 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 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, a constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them reach space — our Space Systems team enables bold and ambitious missions.
SPACECRAFT MECHANICAL ENGINEER II PIPELINE
We are currently seeking
Spacecraft Mechanical Engineers II
for future opportunities within our space vehicle design team based out of Long Beach, CA. This team supports our Space Systems division and leads cutting-edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. Mechanical engineers are responsible for developing high performance and lightweight satellite deployment systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations for our customers. They also work hands-on with flight hardware and drive the technical development of our Space Systems missions.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
Support the Business Development team with proposals and mission concepts
Develop high performance and lightweight satellite systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations for our customers
Develop concepts and satellite configurations for high value science and interplanetary missions
Define what mechanisms look like on a modern satellite system/bus
Own component designs from conceptual design through production, test, and operation
Perform hand-calcs and FEA to drive design decisions
Lead key component design, manufacturing, and test reviews
Create and maintain product definition through CAD, production drawings, and test and operations procedures
Manage development schedules, vendors, budgets, and other project deliverables
QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SPACECRAFT MECHANICAL ENGINEER II:
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
2+ years of mechanical engineering experience
Experience with CAD modeling and drawing
U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
Master’s or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering discipline
Exceptional mechanical mechanism problem-solving skills
Hands-on development and testing experience
Experience with analysis and interpretation of test data (Thermal, Vibe)
Ability to take a product from concept through to production with little supervision
Highly self-motivated and able to work autonomously
Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering
Ability to apply GD&T to component designs
General spacecraft systems engineering knowledge, and experience with requirements assessments and interface control document generation
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.
Base salary information and benefits are provided as part of Rocket Lab’s total rewards package. Base Pay Range (CA Only): $100,000 - $130,000 USD.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others deem impossible. We value collaboration, and we strive to deliver while meeting tight deadlines.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY :
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations. Learn more about ITAR.
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. We also provide accommodations to applicants with disabilities where required by law. For accommodation requests, please contact the recruiter.
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 include nationality checks to ensure eligibility to access equipment and data regulated by ITAR.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process should contact the recruiter. Eligibility and benefits may vary by location.
Apply for this job
#J-18808-Ljbffr