Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II

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, separati...

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 Develop...

We are currently seeking a Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II 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 ...

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

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering discipline
8+ years of mechanical engineering experience
Experience with CAD modeling and drawing
U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
Master’s or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering discipline
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

Citizenship of AU / NZ / EU / NATO