Senior Mechanical Engineer I/II

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

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical & dental

401(k) with match

Paid vacation & sick leave

Onsite gym

Job summary

Rocket Lab in the Space Systems division invites a Senior Mechanical Engineer I/II to join our Silver Spring, MD site. You will lead development of innovative space mechanisms from concept to production, tackling aggressive timelines with rigor and collaboration.

The role requires strong CAD/FEA skills, aerospace standards knowledge, and a track record in complex program management. You will mentor engineers, contribute to NASA/defense partnerships, and support proposal efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field.
• 5+ years in aerospace mechanical development projects.
• CAD and FEA proficiency.
• Experience managing complex projects across organizational teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of space mechanisms from concept to implementation.
• Design mechanisms and structures in CAD and analyze using hand calculations and FEA.
• Lead requirements definition, traceability, 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.
• Mentor other engineers and support business development proposals.

Skills

CAD

FEA

Aerospace standards

Project management

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a 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, all 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 that have been 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. 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.

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. Rocket Lab’s commitment to improving life on earth by going to space is built upon a foundation of hard‑working and motivated individuals that collaborate, challenge, and have each other’s backs. Join a driven team that’s tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!

(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 calculations 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

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.

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

EEO STATEMENT

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.

ITAR REQUIREMENT (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.