Rocket Lab Corporation
Mechanical Engineer I (Future Grad 2027)
About this role
Join Rocket Lab's Space Systems division as a Mechanical Engineer I supporting spacecraft and satellite design for civil, commercial, and defense missions. You'll develop lightweight mechanical systems, mechanisms, and satellite configurations from concept through production, working hands-on with flight hardware for cutting-edge space programs.
What you'll do
- Design and develop high-performance satellite systems, mechanisms, and bus configurations for customers
- Support business development with proposal concepts and mission architecture studies
- Perform hand calculations and FEA analysis to validate design decisions
- Lead component design reviews throughout manufacturing and testing phases
- Create CAD models, production drawings, and test/operations procedures
- Manage schedules, vendors, budgets, and project deliverables for assigned components
What they're looking for
- Mechanical engineering fundamentals
- CAD modeling and technical drawing
- Finite element analysis (FEA)
- Satellite/spacecraft design concepts
- GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing)
- Thermal and vibration analysis
- Test data interpretation
- Requirements definition and interface control documents
Benefits
- Equity stake in the company with stock grants and 15% employee stock purchase discount
- Comprehensive medical (HMO, PPO, zero-cost HDHP) plus dental and vision coverage
- Paid vacation, sick time, 11 paid holidays, and paid parental leave
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Subsidized EV charging and onsite fitness centers
- 50% employee discount on company merchandise and various other perks
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Rocket Lab Corporation
Rocket Lab builds spacecraft and satellites that it launches on its own rockets, developing the avionics, flight software, and ground systems needed to operate these vehicles in orbit. The company is hiring software engineers, test automation specialists, and spacecraft operations engineers to develop embedded flight software, design testing systems, and manage satellite fleet health across commercial and government missions.
View all jobs at Rocket Lab CorporationLikely interview questions
- Can you walk us through a mechanical design project where you progressed from concept through production testing?
- Tell us about your experience with FEA and hand calculations—how do you use both to drive design decisions?