Rocket Lab
Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II/ Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I
Rocket Lab, Long Beach, California, us, 90899
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. 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 rocket has 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 an extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their 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, 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.
Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II / Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I We are currently seeking a
Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II / Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I
to join 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.
NOTE: this position can be hired at the Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II or Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I level.
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 aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering discipline
2+ years of mechanical engineering experience
Experience with CAD modeling and drawing
U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SENIOR SPACECRAFT MECHANICAL ENGINEER I:
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
5+ 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 Pay Range (CA Only)
$100,000 - $150,000 USD
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.
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 should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This 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.
#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. 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 rocket has 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 an extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their 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, 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.
Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II / Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I We are currently seeking a
Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II / Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I
to join 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.
NOTE: this position can be hired at the Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II or Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I level.
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 aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering discipline
2+ years of mechanical engineering experience
Experience with CAD modeling and drawing
U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SENIOR SPACECRAFT MECHANICAL ENGINEER I:
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other technical discipline
5+ 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 Pay Range (CA Only)
$100,000 - $150,000 USD
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.
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 should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr