Space Systems Mechanical Engineering Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Pasadena, CA is seeking a Manager, Mechanical Engineering to lead the mechanical engineering function and contribute technically to programs. You will manage people, guide technical execution, and engage deeply in design, build, test, and delivery of flight and ground hardware.

The ideal candidate has strong depth in mechanical design, precision mechanisms, robotics, GD&T, and experience delivering space hardware, with leadership to build a high-performing team.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of hands-on mechanical engineering experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Experience delivering high-reliability or spaceflight hardware from concept through delivery.
• Experience mentoring, staffing support, and performance feedback for engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of mechanical engineers delivering space robotics and related high-reliability hardware.
• Foster a high-performance engineering culture with ownership, clear documentation, and hands-on delivery.
• Support staffing, utilization, mentoring, performance feedback, and budgets across programs.
• Lead hands-on contributions in mechanical concepts, CAD (SolidWorks), trade studies, and analysis.

Skills

Mechanical design

Robotics

Spaceflight hardware

CAD

GD&T

Analysis

Testing

Leadership

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Rocket Lab in Pasadena, CA is seeking a Manager, Mechanical Engineering to lead the mechanical engineering function and contribute technically to programs. You will manage people, guide technical execution, and engage deeply in design, build, test, and delivery of flight and ground hardware.

The ideal candidate has strong depth in mechanical design, precision mechanisms, robotics, GD&T, and experience delivering space hardware, with leadership to build a high-performing team.