Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer: Mission Formulation

Rocketlab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer – Mission Formulation based in Long Beach, CA. You will lead the mechanical formulation for new satellite systems, manage mass budgets, define mechanism concepts, and support cross‑functional teams from concept through production.

The role requires a bachelor's in mechanical or aerospace engineering, 5+ years of aerospace mechanical experience, CAD proficiency, and US citizenship for program eligibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering; or other technical discipline.
• 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience in the aerospace industry.
• Experience supporting satellite and/or spacecraft development programs.
• Experience with CAD modeling and drawing.
• US citizenship is required, due to program requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical formulation of satellite systems from concept to production.
• Develop high performance, lightweight satellite bus configurations, structures and mechanisms.
• Define deployment systems and mechanisms for modern satellite systems.
• Maintain mass and mechanical budgets and verify requirements.
• Create CAD definitions, production drawings, and test procedures.
• Collaborate with BD and strategy teams on schedules, vendors and budgets.

Skills

Satellite/mechanical engineering

CAD modeling & drawing

Spacecraft development experience

US citizenship required

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer – Mission Formulation based in Long Beach, CA. You will lead the mechanical formulation for new satellite systems, manage mass budgets, define mechanism concepts, and support cross‑functional teams from concept through production.

The role requires a bachelor's in mechanical or aerospace engineering, 5+ years of aerospace mechanical experience, CAD proficiency, and US citizenship for program eligibility.