Mechanical Test Engineer I

Rocket Lab Corp.; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Corp. in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Mechanical Test Engineer I to support the design, build, and execution of internal test capabilities for satellite components and systems.

You will assist with qualification and acceptance tests, help maintain test infrastructure, and work with senior engineers to ensure safety, quality, and compliance as we advance space missions.

Qualifications

• 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 acceptable).
• Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., NX, SolidWorks, or similar).
• Basic understanding of mechanical systems and testing principles.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

Job description

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 TEST ENGINEER I

Based out of Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Mechanical Test Engineer I isresponsible 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 instressingenvironments.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS A MECHANICAL TEST ENGINEER I:

• 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, SolidWorks, or similar).
• Basic understanding of mechanical systems and testing principles.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 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.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$90,150 — $116,025 USD

$83,200 — $106,080 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 commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here .

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.