Space Robotics Mechanical Engineer II – Onsite Pasadena

Rocket Lab; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Medical/Dental/Vision plans

Paid time off and holidays

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Pasadena, CA is hiring a Mechanical Engineer II to design and deliver mechanical and electromechanical hardware for space robotics. The role emphasizes hands-on development, CAD modeling in SolidWorks, and close coordination with electrical, software, systems, and manufacturing teams.

You will work through concept, design, analysis, testing, and delivery phases, ensuring hardware meets harsh spaceflight environments and manufacturability requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field.
• 2+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience.
• Experience designing mechanical hardware, mechanisms, or electromechanical assemblies.

Responsibilities

• Develop precision mechanisms, robotic systems, tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment for spaceflight and ground applications.
• Translate program, system, production, and test needs into practical mechanical architectures and verification approaches.
• Develop mechanical hardware through concept development, design, drawing release, procurement, assembly, integration, environmental testing, and delivery.
• Design space mechanisms and motion systems including actuators, gimbals, gear trains, and kinematic interfaces.
• Create SolidWorks 3D CAD models, production drawings, BOMs, assembly documentation, and test procedures.

Skills

2+ years experience

Hands-on hardware

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Rocket Lab in Pasadena, CA is hiring a Mechanical Engineer II to design and deliver mechanical and electromechanical hardware for space robotics. The role emphasizes hands-on development, CAD modeling in SolidWorks, and close coordination with electrical, software, systems, and manufacturing teams.

You will work through concept, design, analysis, testing, and delivery phases, ensuring hardware meets harsh spaceflight environments and manufacturability requirements.