Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I

rocketlab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA, is seeking a Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I to join our Space Systems division. You will help develop high‑performance satellite deployment systems and spacecraft bus configurations, and work hands‑on with flight hardware.

You will lead component design reviews, perform hand‑calcs/FEA, and drive from concept through production. A DoD clearance and U.S. citizenship are required; a bachelor's degree in engineering is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering.
• Mechanical engineering experience.
• Experience with CAD modeling and drawing.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance.
• U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

• Support proposals and mission concepts for space systems.
• Develop high performance and lightweight satellite systems, mechanisms, and bus configurations.
• Develop concepts and satellite configurations for high value science and interplanetary missions.
• Define mechanisms for modern satellite systems/bus.
• Own component designs from conceptual design through production, test, and operation.
• Perform hand-calcs and FEA to drive design decisions.
• Lead key component design, manufacturing, and test reviews.
• Create and maintain product definition through CAD, production drawings, and test procedures.
• Manage development schedules, vendors, budgets, and other project deliverables.

Skills

CAD modeling

Mechanical engineering experience

DoD clearance eligibility

U.S. citizenship

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Master's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more - all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets - we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it's a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space - our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SPACECRAFT MECHANICAL ENGINEER I

We are currently seeking a Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I to join our space vehicle design team based out of Long Beach, CA. This team supports our Space Systems division, and leads cutting-edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. Mechanical engineers are responsible for developing high performance and lightweight satellite deployment systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations for our customers. They also work hands-on with flight hardware, and drive the technical development of our Space Systems missions.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Support the Business Development team with proposals and mission concepts
• Develop high performance and lightweight satellite systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations for our customers
• Develop concepts and satellite configurations for high value science and interplanetary missions
• Define what mechanisms look like on a modern satellite system/bus
• Own component designs from conceptual design through production, test, and operation
• Perform hand-calcs and FEA to drive design decisions
• Lead key component design, manufacturing, and test reviews
• Create and maintain product definition through CAD, production drawings, and test and operations procedures
• Manage development schedules, vendors, budgets, and other project deliverables

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering discipline
• Mechanical engineering experience
• Experience with CAD modeling and drawing
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Master's or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering discipline
• Active Secret or TS/SCI clearance
• Spacecraft/satellite design experience
• Rapid conceptual design iteration experience
• Exceptional mechanical mechanism problem-solving skills
• Hands-on development and testing experience
• Experience with analysis and interpretation of test data (Thermal, Vibe)
• Ability to take a product from concept through to production with little supervision
• Highly self-motivated and able to work autonomously
• Master's degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering
• Ability to apply GD&T to component designs
• Experience developing satellite deployment systems
• General spacecraft systems engineering knowledge, and experience with requirements assessments and interface control document generation

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-based basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also recei