Senior Mechanical Engineer, Space Systems & Mechanisms

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

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.