Mechanical Test Engineer

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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.

Based out of Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Mechanical Test Engineer I is responsible for supporting the design, build, and execution of internal test capabilities. This may include assisting with test setups for qualification and acceptance tests for satellite components and systems. Hardware tests may include avionics boxes, complex mechanisms, and fully integrated spacecraft in stressing environments.

• Assist in the preparation and execution of qualification and acceptance test campaigns.
• Support the development and maintenance of test infrastructure and equipment.
• Perform hands-on assembly and disassembly of test setups, including instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Collaborate with senior engineers to ensure test setups meet design and safety requirements.
• Document test procedures, results, and lessons learned.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues during testing under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards during test operations.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
• 0+ years of experience in mechanical testing, aerospace, or a related field (internship experience is acceptable).
• Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., NX, Solid Works, or similar).
• Basic understanding of mechanical systems and testing principles.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

• Experience with data acquisition systems and instrumentation.
• Familiarity with environmental testing (thermal, vibration, shock).
• Experience with Python or MATLAB for data analysis.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly or prototyping.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price…