Mechanical Test Engineer II

Rocket Lab Corp.; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab’s Space Systems team in Long Beach, CA seeks a Mechanical Test Engineer II to lead test campaigns for satellite components and systems. You’ll design test setups, analyze data, and collaborate with design and systems engineers to ensure compliance with requirements.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in mechanical or aerospace engineering, 2+ years in mechanical testing, and strong CAD data analysis skills (Python/MATLAB).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of mechanical testing experience in aerospace or related field.
• Proficiency with CAD software NX or SolidWorks.
• Experience with environmental testing (thermal, vibration, shock).
• Strong data analysis skills with Python or MATLAB.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of qualification and acceptance test campaigns for satellite components and systems.
• Design and implement test setups, including mechanical fixtures, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
• Analyze test data and generate detailed test reports.
• Collaborate with design and systems engineers to define test requirements and ensure compliance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during testing.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior engineers and technicians.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of test processes and infrastructure.

Skills

CAD software proficiency

Environmental testing

Analytical skills

Data analysis (Python, MATLAB)

Troubleshooting

Mentoring junior engineers

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

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 II

Based out of Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Mechanical Test Engineer II is responsible for leading and executing test campaigns for satellite components and systems. This includes designing and implementing test setups, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring compliance with test requirements. The role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams to develop and improve test processes.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Lead the execution of qualification and acceptance test campaigns for satellite components and systems.
• Design and implement test setups, including mechanical fixtures, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
• Analyze test data and generate detailed test reports.
• Collaborate with design and systems engineers to define test requirements and ensure compliance.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during testing.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior engineers and technicians.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of test processes and infrastructure.

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

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in mechanical testing, aerospace, or a related field.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., NX, SolidWorks, or similar).
• Experience with environmental testing (thermal, vibration, shock).
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data analysis tools (e.g., Python, MATLAB).
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and solve complex technical problems.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with test automation and scripting.
• Familiarity with Confluence and JIRA.
• Experience leading small teams or projects.

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)

$105,275 — $136,625 USD

$95,200 — $119,000 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 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.