Mechanical Engineer II

About this role

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.

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.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER II

Based onsite at Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena, California, the Mechanical Engineer II will develop mechanical and electromechanical hardware for space robotics, precision mechanisms, tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment. The role supports hardware through concept development, detailed design, analysis, drawing release, procurement, assembly, integration, environmental test, qualification, and delivery. The ideal candidate is a practical, hands-on mechanical engineer with strong CAD fundamentals, sound engineering judgment, and an interest in developing reliable, manufacturable hardware for demanding spaceflight environments.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

• Develop precision mechanisms, robotic systems, electromechanical assemblies, tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment for spaceflight and ground applications.

• Translate program, system, production, and test needs into practical mechanical architectures, interfaces, packaging concepts, and verification approaches.

• Develop mechanical hardware through concept development, trade studies, detailed design, analysis, drawing release, procurement, assembly, integration, environmental test, qualification, and delivery.

• Design space mechanisms and motion systems including actuators, gimbals, gear trains, harmonic drives, bearings, motors, rotary sensors, springs, launch locks, release devices, and kinematic or pseudo-kinematic interfaces.

• Create and maintain product definition in SolidWorks, including 3D CAD models, production drawings, interface details, bills of material, assembly documentation, test procedures, and supporting design analyses.

• Apply GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, material and process selection, first-principles calculations, and finite element analysis to make sound design decisions.

• Design hardware for stiffness, strength, thermal environments, vibration and shock, tolerance control, manufacturability, inspectability, assembly, integration, and test.

• Work closely with electrical, software, systems, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and test teams to evaluate alternatives and deliver practical, build-ready solutions.

• Support hardware assembly, integration, troubleshooting, inspection, environmental testing, qualification testing, fixture development, and review of test data.

• Coordinate with machine shops and suppliers to resolve fabrication questions, evaluate manufacturing approaches, and support timely hardware delivery.

• Document technical decisions, design analyses, test results, risks, and verification evidence in support of program milestones and design reviews.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechatronics, robotics, or another related engineering discipline.

• 2+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience.

• Experience designing mechanical hardware, mechanisms, aerospace hardware, robotic systems, or electromechanical assemblies.

• Experience with SolidWorks or a comparable CAD platform, including 3D modeling and production drawing creation.

• Working knowledge of GD&T, tolerance analysis, material selection, manufacturing processes, and mechanical design documentation.

• Ability to use engineering fundamentals, hand calculations, and analysis tools to support design decisions.

• Hands-on experience supporting hardware build, integration, troubleshooting, inspection, or testing.

• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and test teams.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• Experience developing spacecraft mechanisms, robotic manipulators, precision motion systems, actuators, gimbals, deployment systems, or similar high-reliability hardware.

• Experience supporting hardware through environmental testing, including vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum, or life testing.

• Experience with finite element analysis and interpretation of struc

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