Senior Spacecraft Mechanisms Engineer

Rocketlab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Equity program

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation

Sick leave

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA seeks a Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II to develop high‑performance satellite deployment systems and bus configurations. You will own designs from concept through production, perform hand calculations and FEA, and lead reviews with internal stakeholders.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, 8+ years of experience, and US citizenship. Base pay aligns with CA market ranges and includes comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of mechanical engineering experience.
• Experience with CAD modeling and drawing.
• U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements.

Responsibilities

• Support the Business Development team with proposals and mission concepts.
• Develop high performance and lightweight satellite systems, mechanisms, and bus configurations.
• Define mechanisms for modern satellite systems and buses.
• Own component designs from concept through production, test, and operation.
• Perform hand-calcs and FEA to drive design decisions.
• Lead component design, manufacturing, and test reviews.
• Create and maintain product definition via CAD, drawings, and procedures.
• Manage development schedules, vendors, budgets, and other deliverables.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

CAD modeling

US citizenship

FEA analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Master’s or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Tools

CAD software

FEA software

Job description

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA seeks a Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II to develop high‑performance satellite deployment systems and bus configurations. You will own designs from concept through production, perform hand calculations and FEA, and lead reviews with internal stakeholders.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, 8+ years of experience, and US citizenship. Base pay aligns with CA market ranges and includes comprehensive benefits.