Space Mechanisms Engineering Manager

Rocketlab; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 189,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical coverage

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Pasadena, CA, is seeking a Manager of Mechanical Engineering to lead and personally contribute to the mechanical engineering function for flight and ground hardware. This hands-on leader will guide staffing, mentor engineers, drive CAD, analysis, and test activities, and ensure timely delivery across programs.

The role requires a strong background in mechanical design, precision mechanisms, robotics, and aerospace hardware, plus leadership experience and a track record of

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of hands-on mechanical engineering experience.
• Proven track record delivering high-reliability hardware.
• Experience leading engineers, prioritization and mentoring.
• Strong background in mechanical design, robotics and aerospace hardware.
• Experience with full development cycle: requirements, concept, CAD, analysis, test.
• Experience designing space mechanisms or high-reliability motion systems.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks and GD&T practices.
• Hands-on support for assembly, integration, testing and iteration.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of mechanical engineers delivering space robotics and related hardware.
• Foster a high-performance culture with technical ownership and documentation.
• Staffing, mentoring, performance feedback, and resource planning across programs.
• Serve as hands-on contributor: concept development, CAD reviews, analyses, issue resolution.
• Own mechanical design from concept through CAD, analysis, drawing release, and delivery.
• Drive decisions on architecture, interfaces, tolerances, materials, and fabrication.

Skills

Mechanical design

Robotics

Team leadership

SolidWorks CAD

GD&T

Flight hardware

Project staffing

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Rocket Lab in Pasadena, CA, is seeking a Manager of Mechanical Engineering to lead and personally contribute to the mechanical engineering function for flight and ground hardware. This hands-on leader will guide staffing, mentor engineers, drive CAD, analysis, and test activities, and ensure timely delivery across programs.

The role requires a strong background in mechanical design, precision mechanisms, robotics, and aerospace hardware, plus leadership experience and a track record of