Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer for Space Systems

Rocketlab; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top-tier medical

Dental & vision

401(k) with company match

Stock purchase plan

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

EV charging

Onsite gym

Parental leave

Job summary

Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena is seeking a Senior Optomechanical Engineer I/II to lead mechanical design for optical payloads, camera systems, and precision mechanisms. You will translate program and test needs into robust opto‑mechanical architectures and drive designs through end‑to‑end product delivery, with mentorship and standardization responsibilities.

The role requires hands‑on skills in solid modeling, tolerance analyses, and flight hardware delivery, collaborating with electrical,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, optical, mechatronics, robotics, or related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years mechanical engineering experience.
• Experience delivering spaceflight hardware from concept through flight.
• Experience designing precision mechanical hardware and opto‑mechanical assemblies.
• Experience performing structural-thermal-optical analyses or equivalent.
• Experience leading component or subsystem designs from concept to production readiness.
• Hands-on experience supporting hardware integration, testing, and alignment.

Responsibilities

• Lead opto‑mechanical and precision mechanical design projects from scope to verification.
• Own opto‑mechanical hardware through full lifecycle including design, procurement, assembly, alignment, and flight delivery.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams for robust mechanical solutions.
• Develop tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment for assembly and test.
• Mentor junior engineers and develop design standards for Rocket Lab Robotics hardware.

Skills

SolidWorks

Tolerance analysis

STOP analysis

First-principles hand calculations

GD&T

Mechanical design

Mentor engineers

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering

Tools

SolidWorks CAD modeling

Job description

Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena is seeking a Senior Optomechanical Engineer I/II to lead mechanical design for optical payloads, camera systems, and precision mechanisms. You will translate program and test needs into robust opto‑mechanical architectures and drive designs through end‑to‑end product delivery, with mentorship and standardization responsibilities.

The role requires hands‑on skills in solid modeling, tolerance analyses, and flight hardware delivery, collaborating with electrical,