Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II - TS​/SCI

Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II - TS/SCI

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 to space. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. We are also developing Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment.

The Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft that support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

At Rocket Lab, we are not just launching rockets – we are building the future of space. The Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft to precision payloads and subsystems such as solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. This team has enabled over 1,700 missions across interplanetary exploration, in‑space manufacturing, and national security and defense initiatives.

Based at Rocket Lab’s headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II (TS/SCI) is responsible for developing high‑performance and lightweight satellite deployment systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations. You will support the Space Systems organization and deliver technology solutions required by internal leadership, the board of directors, and investors.

• 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
• Design concepts and satellite configurations for high‑value science and interplanetary missions
• Define the mechanical architecture of modern satellite systems/buses
• 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

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline
• 2+ years of mechanical engineering experience
• Experience with CAD modeling and drawing
• Active TS/SCI Clearance
• U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements

• 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, Vibration)
• 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

• 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 - $125,000 USD.

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