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Rocket Lab Corporation

Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II

Long Beach, CAFrom $143.6kmidAdded today

About this role

Rocket Lab seeks a Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II to design and develop high-performance satellite systems, mechanisms, and deployment hardware for civil, commercial, and defense missions. You'll own components from concept through production and testing, collaborating with business development and cross-functional teams on cutting-edge space vehicle programs.

What you'll do

  • Design and develop lightweight satellite systems, mechanisms, and bus configurations
  • Own mechanical components through full lifecycle from concept to production and operations
  • Perform hand calculations and finite element analysis to validate design decisions
  • Lead design reviews, manufacturing coordination, and test activities
  • Create CAD models, production drawings, and operational procedures
  • Support business development with technical proposals and mission concepts

What they're looking for

  • Mechanical design and analysis
  • CAD software proficiency
  • Finite element analysis (FEA)
  • GD&T and technical drawing standards
  • Spacecraft/satellite systems design
  • Project management and vendor coordination
  • Test data analysis and interpretation
  • Thermal and vibration analysis

Benefits

  • Equity ownership stake in the company
  • Competitive base compensation
  • Industry-leading benefits package
  • Work on NASA and Space Force missions
  • Hands-on hardware development experience
  • Opportunity to shape advanced space technology
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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.

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Likely interview questions

  • Describe your experience designing spacecraft mechanisms or satellite subsystems from concept through flight.
  • Walk us through a time you performed FEA and hand calculations to drive a critical design decision.
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