Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_on22392, Bonita Street, Watson Industrial Center, Keystone, Carson, Los Angeles County, California, 90745, United States
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.
About the Space Systems Team
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 and 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, and radios.
Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration and 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, a 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.
The Role and Culture
Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II is responsible for developing high-performance and lightweight satellite deployment systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations for our customers. You will support the Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, the board of directors, and investors.
We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.
Equal Opportunity and Compliance
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices, background checks including nationality checks are required prior to employment offers to ensure eligibility to access equipment and data regulated by ITAR.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply or interview.
Work location
Work model: On-site
22392, Bonita Street, Watson Industrial Center, Keystone, Carson, Los Angeles County, California, 90745, United States
Carson, California
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleSupport the Business Development team with proposals and mission concepts
- check_circleDevelop high performance and lightweight satellite systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations
- check_circleDefine mechanism designs for modern satellite systems and bus configurations
- check_circleOwn component designs from conceptual design through production, test, and operation
- check_circleLead key component design, manufacturing, and test reviews
- check_circleCreate and maintain product definition through CAD, production drawings, and test procedures
- check_circleManage development schedules, vendors, budgets, and project deliverables
- check_circlePerform hand-calculations and FEA to drive design decisions
Requirements
- verifiedBachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
- verified2+ years of mechanical engineering experience
- verifiedExperience with CAD modeling and drawing
- verifiedU.S. citizenship required
Nice to Have
Master's or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering; 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; 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.
Benefits & Perks
check_circleTop tier medical HMO, PPO, and 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan optioncheck_circleDental and vision coveragecheck_circle3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per yearcheck_circle11 paid holidays per yearFlexible spending and dependent care savings accounts
Similar Job Opportunities
Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Cad, Fea, GD&T, Thermal Analysis, Vibe Analysis, Spacecraft Design, Satellite Design, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Requirements Assessments.
Education: Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering required; Master's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering preferred.
Frequently asked questions about Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II at Rocket Lab
What does a Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II at Rocket Lab do?expand_more
Day-to-day, the Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II at Rocket Lab will support the business development team with proposals and mission concepts; develop high performance and lightweight satellite systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations; define mechanism designs for modern satellite systems and bus configurations; and own component designs from conceptual design through production, test, and operation.
What are the requirements for this Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II role?expand_more
Rocket Lab is looking for candidates who meet the following requirements: Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; 2+ years of mechanical engineering experience; Experience with CAD modeling and drawing; and U.S. citizenship required.
Where is the Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II role at Rocket Lab located?expand_more
Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II at Rocket Lab is based in 22392, Bonita Street, Watson Industrial Center, Keystone, Carson, Los Angeles County, California, 90745, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
Rocket Lab has listed this Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II role?expand_more
Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II at Rocket Lab typically requires 2+ years of relevant experience at the mid level level.
What skills do you need for the Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II role at Rocket Lab?expand_more
Key skills for Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II at Rocket Lab include Cad; Fea; GD&T; Thermal Analysis; Vibe Analysis; Spacecraft Design; Satellite Design; and Mechanical Engineering.
What education is required for Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II at Rocket Lab?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering required; and Master's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering preferred.
What category does the Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II role belong to?expand_more
Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II at Rocket Lab is part of the engineering job category on Recrutus.