Launch Mechanical Engineer II

Rocket Lab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 112,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join its Launch Mechanical team in Long Beach, CA. The role involves leading mechanical design projects for the Terran R launch vehicle, requiring expertise in mechanical engineering principles and a collaborative approach to design and analysis. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and relevant engineering experience.

Benefits

Competitive salary and equity

Generous PTO and sick leave

Parental leave

Annual learning and development stipend

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of professional engineering experience in structural systems or mechanical design.
• Solid understanding of mechanical engineering principles.
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality results on schedule.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design projects from concept through implementation.
• Develop detailed 3D CAD models and perform structural analyses.
• Coordinate technical requirements with vehicle and ground support teams.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering Principles

Structural Analysis

Fluid Systems Design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Aerospace Engineering or a closely related field

Job description

At Relativity Space, we have two audacious goals: to build the next great commercial launch company with Terran R and to become America's leading force in additive manufacturing innovation. Both contribute to our long-term vision of creating humanity’s industrial base on Mars, paving the way for interplanetary life to expand the possibilities of the human experience. This journey begins right here on Earth – where we design, build, and fly rockets to deliver customer payloads to orbit. Terran R, our medium-to-heavy lift reusable rocket, fulfills the growing demand for launch capacity, thanks to our iterative approach that accelerates design, testing, and development while minimizing costs. While our groundbreaking research and development in 3D printing pushes the boundaries of large-scale additive manufacturing.

Your journey with us is more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to shape the future of aerospace technology, additive manufacturing, and the human experience alongside a community of passionate, creative individuals. Join us on this extraordinary journey, as we work together to transform our vision into reality.

About the Team:

The Launch Mechanical team is responsible for building world class launch facilities to support flights of the Terran R launch vehicle. As part of the team, you will take on the challenge of designing, building, testing, and integrating complex mechanical systems that interface directly with the launch vehicle. You will have the opportunity to be part of a small team of engineers who are responsible for the full engineering cycle on projects that involve static structures, dynamic mechanisms, and control systems using fluid, electrical, and combustion powered sources.

About the Role:

• Lead mechanical design projects from concept through implementation using sound engineering principles.
• Coordinate technical requirements with vehicle and ground support engineering teams.
• Develop detailed 3D CAD models, 2D mechanical drawings, fluid system schematics, and electrical system schematics.
• Perform structural, dynamic, and system performance analyses using hand calculations and finite element methods (FEM).
• Present design concepts and project updates to engineering and cross-functional teams, emphasizing functionality, feasibility, and safety.

About You:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of two (2) years of professional engineering experience in structural systems, mechanical design, fluid power systems, or related areas.
• Solid understanding of mechanical engineering principles, including structural analysis and fluid systems design.
• Proven ability to deliver high-quality results on schedule, including under challenging or ambiguous conditions.

Nice to haves, but not required:

• Experience with launch vehicle interface mechanisms, support tooling, or similar systems.
• Familiarity with applicable NASA, DoD, Space Force, or related industry standards.
• Working knowledge of structural materials, manufacturing methods, and fabrication processes.
• Experience designing complex fluid systems (e.g., high-pressure gas, cryogenic, flammable fluids, or hydraulics).

At Relativity Space, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our compensation practices. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors.

Compensation is only one part of our total rewards package. Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, a generous PTO and sick leave policy, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more! To see some of the benefits & perks we offer, please visit here.

Hiring Range:

$112,000—$143,000 USD

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.