The end-to-end space company delivering reliable launch services, spacecraft, satellite components. Backed by Bessemer and Khosla.
About the role
Based onsite at Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena, California, the Senior Mechanical Engineer II will lead mechanical design and mechanism development efforts for space robotics, precision mechanisms, electromechanical assemblies, tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment. The role translates program, production, and test needs into practical mechanical architectures and drives approved designs through analysis, review, procurement, assembly, integration, environmental test, qualification, and flight delivery.
What they're looking for
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechatronics, robotics, or another related engineering discipline
- 5+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience, including significant aerospace, spaceflight, robotics, or other high-reliability hardware development experience
- 3+ years serving as a responsible engineer or technical lead for mechanical component or subsystem development
- Proven experience delivering hardware from concept through detailed design, procurement, build, integration, environmental test, qualification, and delivery
- Deep experience designing precision mechanisms, robotic systems, aerospace hardware, or electromechanical assemblies
- Strong SolidWorks experience, including complex CAD modeling, production drawings, GD&T, tolerance analysis, bills of material, and mechanical design documentation
More about this role
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.
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...
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