Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Rocket Lab; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Leading aerospace company Rocket Lab is seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to spearhead hardware projects. This pivotal role encompasses the full product lifecycle, ensuring innovative design and rigorous testing from concept through production. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical design, leadership, and a hands-on approach to problem-solving.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in mechanical design with proven project delivery.
• Expertise in 3D CAD and mechanical design fundamentals.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive hardware projects from concept to commissioning.
• Provide technical and managerial leadership.
• Collaborate across disciplines for system integration.

Skills

Mechanical design

Leadership

Communication

3D CAD software

Manufacturing processes

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering

Job description

About Us:

This is the opportunity of a lifetime. Auriga Space is revolutionizing space access by developing electromagnetic space launch systems that offer dramatic advantages in cost, reliability, launch frequency, and responsiveness compared to traditional rockets. Join us as we transform how payloads reach space.

Role Summary:

We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to join our growing team and play a key role in driving hardware projects from concept to commissioning. This role spans the full product lifecycle, including requirements generation, concept development, detailed design, manufacturing, and testing. The individual is also expected to provide technical and managerial leadership. The ideal candidate thrives in a start-up environment and is excited to work hands-on with a small, high-performing team pushing the boundaries of next-generation space launch technology.

Basic Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of mechanical design experience, with a proven track record of taking projects from concept to prototype and into production.
• Solid grasp of mechanical design fundamentals and engineering best practices.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software for detailed design and performance analysis.
• Ability to contribute to and help define the development roadmap for new hardware systems.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and materials selection.
• Ability to balance design trade-offs between cost, time-to-manufacture, and quality.
• Comfortable working in a hands-on, dynamic environment with evolving requirements.
• Highly detail-oriented, with strong leadership and prioritization skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, capable of clearly articulating design decisions and requirements.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience working in a multi-disciplinary engineering environment, collaborating with electrical engineers, software engineers, and other cross-functional teams to ensure seamless system integration.
• Experience in fast-paced environments, such as start-ups, rapid prototyping labs, or aerospace/defense development programs.
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering, or a related technical field.
• Passion for innovative technology and next-generation space and defense systems.

ITAR Requirements:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. More details on ITAR are available on the U.S. Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls website.

Auriga 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 Auriga, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.