Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I — Design Flight Hardware

Rocket Lab Corporation; City of Long Beach (NY); On-site; USD 82,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Stock purchase

Health insurance

Dental & vision

401(k) plan

Paid time off

Holidays

Parental leave

Disability & life

Employee discounts

EV charging

Fitness center

Merch discount

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA seeks a Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I to join the Space Systems team. You will develop high‑performance satellite deployment systems and bus configurations, work hands-on with flight hardware, and drive technical development for civil, commercial, and defense missions.

The role requires a bachelor’s in aerospace or mechanical engineering, CAD experience, and the ability to obtain DoD clearance. U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering or related field.
• Mechanical engineering experience.
• Experience with CAD modeling and drawing.
• Ability to obtain DoD Security Clearance and US citizenship.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Bachelors in engineering

Mechanical engineering

CAD modeling

DoD clearance

US citizenship

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Master’s or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA seeks a Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I to join the Space Systems team. You will develop high‑performance satellite deployment systems and bus configurations, work hands-on with flight hardware, and drive technical development for civil, commercial, and defense missions.

The role requires a bachelor’s in aerospace or mechanical engineering, CAD experience, and the ability to obtain DoD clearance. U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.