Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II​/Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer Pipeline

Position: Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II/ Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I Pipeline

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 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’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 PIPELINE

We are currently seeking Spacecraft Mechanical Engineers II/ Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineers I 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

Please note:

this position can be hired at the Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II or Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I level.

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…