Skip to main content

Rocket Lab Corporation

Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I

Long Beach, CAFrom $113kentryAdded 3 days ago

About this role

Rocket Lab seeks a Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I to design and develop high-performance satellite systems, mechanisms, and bus configurations for civil, commercial, and defense missions. You'll own components from concept through production and testing, supporting the Space Systems division's work on lunar, Martian, and interplanetary spacecraft.

What you'll do

  • Develop lightweight satellite systems, mechanisms, and bus configurations for customer missions
  • Own component designs from conceptual design through production, test, and field operation
  • Perform hand calculations and finite element analysis to validate design decisions
  • Lead design reviews, manufacturing coordination, and test activities for key components
  • Create and maintain technical documentation including CAD models, production drawings, and test procedures
  • Support business development with proposal concepts and mission architecture studies

What they're looking for

  • Mechanical engineering fundamentals
  • CAD modeling and technical drawing
  • Finite element analysis (FEA)
  • Spacecraft or satellite design
  • Mechanical mechanism design and problem-solving
  • Technical documentation and GD&T
  • Project management and vendor coordination
  • Test data analysis (thermal, vibration)
Apply with Autofill

Opens the application — the Jobs AI extension fills it for you. Set up autofill

Opens the official application on the employer’s site. No login required.

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 Corporation

Likely interview questions

  • Describe a mechanical component or system you designed end-to-end from concept to production—what were the key technical challenges?
  • How do you balance performance, weight, and cost constraints in satellite mechanism design?
Unlock all 7 questions free — and practice them live →