Mechanical Test Engineer I

rocketlab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 106,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Medical and dental plans

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Stock-based equity and annual grant

Job summary

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

The role emphasizes hands-on assembly, data acquisition, and close collaboration with senior engineers to meet safety and quality standards while contributing to a fast-growing space program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering.
• 0+ years in mechanical testing or related field; internships allowed.
• Familiarity with CAD software such as NX or SolidWorks.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation and execution of qualification and acceptance test campaigns.
• Support development and maintenance of test infrastructure and equipment.
• Perform hands-on assembly and disassembly of test setups with instrumentation.
• 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 guidance of senior engineers.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality standards during test operations.

Skills

CAD software familiarity

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Mechanical testing

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

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 TEST ENGINEER I

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Mechanical Test Engineer I is responsible 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 in stressing environments.

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.

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 plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

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)
$90,150 - $116,025 USD

Base Salary
$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, determ