Spacecraft Mechanisms Engineer II – Satellites

Rocket Lab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 101,000 - 126,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Comprehensive health plans

Dental and vision coverage

Paid vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays

401(k) retirement plan with company 12

Subsidized EV charging

Onsite fitness centers

Discounted gym memberships

Snacks and beverages

50% merch store discount

Job summary

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

The role requires a Bachelor's in aerospace or mechanical engineering, 2+ years in aerospace, and US citizenship. A strong focus on design, analysis, and collaboration across teams is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering or related field.
• 2+ years of mechanical engineering experience in the aerospace industry.
• U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements.

Responsibilities

• Support business development with proposals and mission concepts.
• Develop high performance and lightweight satellite systems and mechanisms.
• Define mechanisms on a modern satellite system and own designs through production and test.
• Perform hand calculations and finite element analysis to drive 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 other deliverables.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Hands-on engineering

US citizenship required

Education

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Master’s or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Job description

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

The role requires a Bachelor's in aerospace or mechanical engineering, 2+ years in aerospace, and US citizenship. A strong focus on design, analysis, and collaboration across teams is essential.