Lead Spacecraft Mechanisms Engineer — Space Systems

Rocket Lab Corporation; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 194,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grant

Employee stock purchase program

Medical plans

Dental and vision coverage

Paid vacation and sick time

HSA contribution

401(k) company match

Employee discounts

Job summary

Rocket Lab seeks a Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I to join the Space Systems team in Long Beach, CA. You will develop high‑performance satellite deployment systems, mechanisms, and bus configurations, working hands‑on with flight hardware and driving technical development across missions.

You will lead design reviews, perform hand calcs and FEA, and own components from concept through production, test, and operation, with a focus on lightweight, reliable space hardware.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience.
• Experience with CAD modeling and drawing.
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

5+ years experience

CAD modeling

US citizenship

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Rocket Lab seeks a Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I to join the Space Systems team in Long Beach, CA. You will develop high‑performance satellite deployment systems, mechanisms, and bus configurations, working hands‑on with flight hardware and driving technical development across missions.

You will lead design reviews, perform hand calcs and FEA, and own components from concept through production, test, and operation, with a focus on lightweight, reliable space hardware.