Senior Mechanical Engineer II — Space Robotics Lead

Rocketlab; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Pasadena, CA is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer II to lead mechanical design and mechanism development for space robotics and precision hardware. You will convert program needs into practical architectures and drive designs through analysis, procurement, assembly, testing and delivery.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, deep experience in precision mechanisms, and collaboration with electrical, software, and systems teams to ensure build-ready solutions for spaceflight

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechatronics, robotics, or another related engineering discipline.
• 8+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience in aerospace, spaceflight, robotics or high-reliability hardware.
• 3+ years serving as a responsible engineer or technical lead for mechanical development.
• Proven experience delivering hardware from concept to delivery across design, procurement, assembly and testing.
• Deep experience designing precision mechanisms, robotic systems, aerospace hardware, or electromechanical assemblies.
• Strong SolidWorks experience with complex CAD modeling, production drawings, GD&T and BOMs.
• Experience using first-principles calculations, tolerance analysis, and FEA to guide design decisions.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace materials, interfaces, verification methods, and design-for-manufacture principles.
• Hands-on experience supporting assembly, integration, testing, and design iteration.
• Experience leading technical reviews and coordinating cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical and mechanism development efforts with scope, schedule, risks, milestones, and verification plans.
• Act as responsible engineer for complex components or subsystems from design to delivery.
• Lead trade studies on mechanical architecture, interfaces, tolerances, materials, and fabrication approaches.
• Lead design reviews with cross-functional teams and drive closure of actions.
• Manage schedules, vendors, budgets, and risk mitigation to meet program commitments.
• Mentor engineers and contribute to design standards and manufacturing improvements.
• Develop precision mechanisms and ground support equipment for spaceflight and ground applications.
• Translate program needs into practical mechanical architectures and verification approaches.
• Document decisions, analyses, test results, and verification evidence.

Skills

Leadership

Technical reviews

Cross-functional collaboration

Mechanical design

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

GD&T

FEA

Job description

Rocket Lab in Pasadena, CA is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer II to lead mechanical design and mechanism development for space robotics and precision hardware. You will convert program needs into practical architectures and drive designs through analysis, procurement, assembly, testing and delivery.

The role emphasizes hands-on leadership, deep experience in precision mechanisms, and collaboration with electrical, software, and systems teams to ensure build-ready solutions for spaceflight