Senior Mechanical Engineer I/II

Rocket Lab USA; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Paid vacation and holidays

401(k) with company match

Disability and life insurance

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA in Silver Spring, MD is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer I/II to lead development of electromechanical space mechanisms from concept to production on aggressive timelines, in a manufacturing facility that builds satellite separation mechanisms.

You will design in CAD, perform hand calcs and FEA, define requirements and verification, prepare documentation, mentor engineers, and collaborate across teams to ensure system interfaces and end users are properly supported.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field.
• 5+ years experience in aerospace mechanical development projects.
• CAD and FEA proficiency.
• Thorough understandings of aerospace standards, environments, verification tests and requirements.
• Experience managing complex projects across organizational teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead schedule‑aggressive development of innovative space mechanisms from concept through implementation as responsible engineer.
• Design mechanisms and structures in CAD and analyze using hand calcs and FEA.
• Lead requirements definition, traceability, compliance, verification, and system validation.
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, such as system design descriptions, CONOPS and ICDs.
• Create and maintain requirements verification matrices and risk management plans.
• Support constant incremental improvements to the development team’s engineering approach and best practices.
• Generate technical reports and presentations to communicate findings, progress, and recommendations to internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure proper functionality across system interfaces and for end users.
• Own development schedules, project milestone reviews and technical interchange meetings.
• Mentor other engineers
• Support business development proposals and custom SOWs.
• Support travel or off‑site work to suppliers, customers, and other Rocket Lab sites, approximately 10%

Skills

CAD

FEA

Aerospace standards

Project management

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field

MS in relevant engineering field

Tools

NX CAD

Simcenter FEA

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

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.

SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER SENIOR I/II

As a Mechanical Engineer at Rocket Lab’s Silver Spring, Maryland location, you will lead development of innovative and complex electromechanical systems from project concepting through production implementation on aggressive timelines. The facility manufactures satellite separation mechanisms.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Mechanical Engineer I or Senior Mechanical Engineer II level.)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Lead schedule‑aggressive development of innovative space mechanisms from concept through implementation as responsible engineer
• Design mechanisms and structures in CAD and analyze using hand calcs and FEA
• Lead requirements definition, traceability, compliance, verification, and system validation
• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, such as system design descriptions, CONOPS and ICDs
• Create and maintain requirements verification matrices and risk management plans
• Support constant incremental improvements to the development team’s engineering approach and best practices
• Generate technical reports and presentations to communicate findings, progress, and recommendations to internal stakeholders and external partners
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure proper functionality across system interfaces and for end users
• Own development schedules, project milestone reviews and technical interchange meetings
• Mentor other engineers
• Support business development proposals and custom SOWs
• Support travel or off‑site work to suppliers, customers, and other Rocket Lab sites, approximately 10%

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER I:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field
• 5+ years experience in aerospace mechanical development projects
• CAD and FEA proficiency
• Thorough understandings of aerospace standards, environments, verification tests and requirements
• Experience managing complex projects across organizational teams

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER II:

• Senior Engineer I qualifications plus
• 8+ years of experience in aerospace mechanical development projects
• 3+ years as responsible engineer on mechanical development projects
• Experience mentoring other engineers
• CAD and FEA proficiency
• Thorough understandings of aerospace standards, environments, verification tests and requirements
• Experience managing complex projects across organizational team

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• MS in relevant engineering field
• Proficiency in NX CAD and Simcenter FEA software
• Strong task management, communication and problem solving skills
• Experience adapting to changing priorities and quickly resolving blockers

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER NOTES

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.

BASE PAIN AND BENEFITS

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $100,000 – $160,000 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.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the ITAR, Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

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.

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.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY: Foreground 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.