Mechanical Engineer I

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.

MECHANICAL ENGINEER I

Based onsite at Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena, California, the Mechanical Engineer I 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, inspect ability, 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.
• 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.
• U.S Citizenship due to program requirements

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 structural, vibration, or thermal test data.
• Experience taking a component or assembly from concept through fabrication, assembly, test, and production readiness.
• Experience with NASA, JPL, DoD, commercial space, or other high-reliability aerospace programs.
• Strong mechanical problem-solving skills and a practical, hands-on approach to hardware development.

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, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)$82,400—$123,600 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT 

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.   

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

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 (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

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.

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/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant.  These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. 

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.