Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I — Design & Flight Hardware

PVH (Tommy Hilfiger/Calvin Klein); 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

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.