Senior Mechanical Engineer — Space Robotics Lead

Rocketlab; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 194,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Employee stock purchase program

Comprehensive benefits

Equity grant

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Pasadena, CA is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer I to lead mechanical design and mechanism development for space robotics and ground support equipment. The role requires hands-on leadership, strong SolidWorks skills, and a track record delivering hardware from concept through flight delivery.

You'll mentor engineers, run trade studies, manage schedules and vendors, and collaborate with electrical, software, systems, and manufacturing teams to advance precision mechanisms and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, mechatronics, robotics, or related field.
• 5+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience, aerospace/spaceflight or high-reliability hardware.
• 3+ years as responsible engineer or technical lead for mechanical subsystems.
• Proven track record delivering hardware from concept through delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical and mechanism development, scope, requirements, milestones, verification plans.
• Own technical execution through design, procurement, build, test, and delivery.
• Lead trades studies on architecture, interfaces, materials, and manufacturability.
• Mentor engineers and contribute to design standards and critique sessions.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to deliver build-ready solutions.

Skills

Mechanical design

Tolerance analysis

Mentoring

Team leadership

3D CAD

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Master's degree (nice to have)

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Rocket Lab in Pasadena, CA is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer I to lead mechanical design and mechanism development for space robotics and ground support equipment. The role requires hands-on leadership, strong SolidWorks skills, and a track record delivering hardware from concept through flight delivery.

You'll mentor engineers, run trade studies, manage schedules and vendors, and collaborate with electrical, software, systems, and manufacturing teams to advance precision mechanisms and