Manager, Mechanical Design

About this role

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

SPACE SYSTEMS

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, separation systems, radios, and more.

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 Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, 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.

MANAGER, SPACECRAFT MECHANICAL DESIGN

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Manager, Spacecraft Mechanical Design is a hands-on functional managing position that reports to the Space Vehicle Design Director. Your team will have 6 to 10 direct reports, and you will need to guide and mentor them while working alongside them on spacecraft development programs. You will also need to communicate your technical strategy and work cross-functionally on projects with almost every other engineering team.

Our ideal candidate is someone with a strong mechanical and structural background who has previously led spacecraft mechanical development programs. They will have expertise in designing, analyzing, building, and testing spacecraft structures and mechanisms. They will have successfully led engineering teams through challenging projects and will be comfortable working in a fast-paced development environment.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Perform functional management duties including 1-on-1s, performance reviews, and supporting their career development

• Coach and mentor engineers on your team

• Conduct peer reviews of designs and review drawings

• Perform duties as an individual contributor, including independent design and development work and organizing teams of engineers to execute larger projects

• Work with cross-discipline teams (i.e. Supply Chain, Assembly Integration & Test, Production, Quality) to ensure smooth interfaces and handoffs within the greater Space Systems organization

• Work closely with mechanical engineers, test engineers, and production to iterate through design concepts, with a focus on design-for-manufacture and design-for-integration

• Develop and maintain design standards, documentation templates, test specifications, and other processes

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering discipline

• 8+ years of engineering experience

• Spacecraft/satellite design experience

• 1+ years of experience as a team lead, manager, or technical leader

• US citizenship is required, due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Expertise in Siemens NX and Teamcenter

• Expertise in CAD, drafting, and GD&T

• Multiple successes in bringing spacecraft hardware from concept through launch

• Direct experience bringing spacecraft assemblies through environmental testing

• Demonstrable methodological approach to spacecraft design and mechanical development programs

• High proficiency in multiple areas of physics-based analysis and testing

• Comfort executing to aggressive deadlines within a high-pressure environment

• Effective communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues and engineering professionals

• Experience with fabrication processes, including CNC machining and additive manufacturing

• Experience in design and analysis of composites (laminate design, joint design, materials characterization and selection, environmental effects)

• Experience in design and development of any of the following: spacecraft assemblies, space mechanisms and deployables, spacecraft avionics, and propulsion systems

• Experience in spacecraft structural dynamics in one or more of the following areas: environments and loads, random vibration, sine vibration, acoustic, and modal testing and/or analysis

• Experience with non-linear material simulation, including metal plasticity, elastomers, and adhesive joints

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package , giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimenta

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