Mechanical Engineer I

rocketlab; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 71,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Medical coverage (HMO/PPO)

Company-sponsored HSA

Dental and Vision

Paid vacation

Sick leave

11 paid holidays

401(k) with company match

Flexible spending accounts

Parental leave

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Free meals

Flexible schedule

Free snacks/drinks

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Silver Spring, MD is seeking a Mechanical Engineer I to join our Space Systems team, focusing on innovative spaceflight mechanism concepts, especially separation systems. You will design, build, and optimize products and processes to enable faster, better space hardware.

This role emphasizes hands-on assembly, quality improvements, and collaboration with machinists and vendors, with occasional travel to customer sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering discipline (aerospace, electrical, mechanical, etc.).
• Ability to understand electrical circuitry aspects of space systems.
• Capacity to comply with U.S. export control laws.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on assembly and production of mechanical space systems.
• Identify and implement quality and process improvements.
• Improve electro-mechanical space systems through design, prototyping, production, and test.
• Analyze mechanical systems using classical methods and CAD/analysis; consult with machinists and vendors.
• Inspect and control quality of machined parts.
• Travel occasionally to meet with customers regarding products.

Skills

Electrical circuitry understanding

Export control compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace, computer, electrical, mechanical, robotics, or systems engineering

Advanced degree in aerospace, computer, electrical, mechanical, robotics, or systems engineering

Job description

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.

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.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER I

As a Mechanical Engineer I , based at Rocket Lab's site in Silver Spring, Maryland, you will be part of a team dedicated to producing innovative spaceflight mechanism concepts, specifically separation systems. You will play a critical role in designing, building, and optimizing the products and processes that bring these ideas to life while continuously driving improvements for faster, better, smarter ways to build.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Hands-on assembly and physical production of mechanical space systems
• Identify and implement quality and process-related initiatives and improvements
• Improve electro-mechanical space systems, including design, prototyping, production, and test
• Analysis of mechanical systems via classical and computer methods - Consult with machinists and vendors to assure proper manufacture of components
• Inspection and quality control of machined parts
• Travel occasionally to meet with customers regarding products

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, computer, electrical, mechanical, robotics, or systems engineering
• Understanding of electrical circuitry
• Capacity to comply with the federally mandated of U.S. export control laws

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Advanced degree in aerospace, computer, electrical, mechanical, robotics, or systems engineering
• 2+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace or manufacturing industry
• Mechanically inclined and able to troubleshoot basic equipment issues
• Passion for mechanisms and structures
• Strong analytical mindset
• Self-motivated
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to schedule and work on multiple projects concurrently
• Ability to work collaboratively with other engineers
• Experience with common manufacturing processes (e.g. CNC, turning, wire EDM, and 3D printing)

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 performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package , giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 7 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: flex schedule, free breakfast and lunch catered 2x/week, and free snacks/drinks.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$94,000 - $98,000 USD

Base Salary

$71,000 - $89,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitmen