Mechanical Engineer II - Space Robotics (Equity)

Rocket Lab USA; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company stock

EV charging subsidy

Onsite fitness centers

Discounted gym memberships

Snacks and beverages

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA in Pasadena is seeking a Mechanical Engineer II to develop mechanical and electromechanical hardware for space robotics, optical systems, and ground support equipment. You will guide hardware from concept through design, analysis, drawing release, assembly, and environmental testing, collaborating with electrical, software, systems, and manufacturing teams.

This role combines practical, hands-on engineering with rigorous design discipline to deliver reliable hardware for demanding

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechatronics, robotics, or related field.
• 2+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience.
• Experience designing mechanical hardware, mechanisms, aerospace hardware, robotic systems, or electromechanical assemblies.
• SolidWorks or comparable CAD platform with 3D modeling and production drawings.
• Knowledge of GD&T, tolerance analysis, material selection, manufacturing processes, and design documentation.
• Hands-on experience supporting hardware build, integration, troubleshooting, inspection, or testing.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and test teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop precision mechanisms, robotic systems, electromechanical assemblies, tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment for spaceflight and ground applications.
• Translate program, system, production, and test needs into practical mechanical architectures and verification approaches.
• Develop hardware through concept development, design, analysis, drawing release, procurement, assembly, integration, environmental test, qualification, and delivery.
• Design space mechanisms and motion systems including actuators, gimbals, gear trains, and related interfaces.
• Create and maintain product definition in SolidWorks (3D models, production drawings, BOMs, assembly docs).
• Apply GD&T, tolerance analysis, material selection, and first-principles calculations to support design decisions.
• Ensure hardware meets stiffness, strength, thermal, vibration, and manufacturability requirements.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, systems, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and test teams to deliver build-ready solutions.
• Support hardware assembly, integration, troubleshooting, inspection, environmental/qualification testing, and test data review.
• Coordinate with machine shops and suppliers for fabrication questions and timely delivery.
• Document technical decisions, analyses, test results, risks, and verification evidence for milestones.

Skills

Engineering fundamentals

Hand calculations

Cross-functional collaboration

Analysis tools

Engineering judgment

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

3D modeling & production drawings

Finite element analysis

Job description

Rocket Lab USA in Pasadena is seeking a Mechanical Engineer II to develop mechanical and electromechanical hardware for space robotics, optical systems, and ground support equipment. You will guide hardware from concept through design, analysis, drawing release, assembly, and environmental testing, collaborating with electrical, software, systems, and manufacturing teams.

This role combines practical, hands-on engineering with rigorous design discipline to deliver reliable hardware for demanding