Rocket Lab

Mechanical Engineer I (Future Grad 2027)

Rocket Lab • $82K — $113K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline
  • Mechanical engineering experience
  • Experience with CAD modeling and drawing
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance
  • U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

Responsibilities

  • Support the Business Development team with proposals and mission concepts
  • Develop high performance and lightweight satellite systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations
  • Create concepts and satellite configurations for high value science and interplanetary missions
  • Define mechanisms for modern satellite systems/buses
  • Own component designs from conception through production, testing, and operation
  • Perform hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for design decisions
  • Lead component design, manufacturing, and test reviews

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits package including top-tier medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock
  • Paid parental leave and disability/life insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Additional perks including subsidized EV charging and onsite fitness centers
Full Job Description
This job posting is for FUTURE grads of Spring 2027

SPACECRAFT MECHANICAL ENGINEER I

We are currently seeking a Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I to join our space vehicle design team based out of Long Beach, CA. This team supports our Space Systems division, and leads cutting-edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. Mechanical engineers are responsible for developing high performance and lightweight satellite deployment systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations for our customers. They also work hands-on with flight hardware, and drive the technical development of our Space Systems missions.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
  • Support the Business Development team with proposals and mission concepts
  • Develop high performance and lightweight satellite systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations for our customers
  • Develop concepts and satellite configurations for high value science and interplanetary missions
  • Define what mechanisms look like on a modern satellite system/bus
  • Own component designs from conceptual design through production, test, and operation
  • Perform hand-calcs and FEA to drive design decisions
  • Lead key component design, manufacturing, and test reviews
  • Create and maintain product definition through CAD, production drawings, and test and operations procedures
  • Manage development schedules, vendors, budgets, and other project deliverables

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering discipline
  • Mechanical engineering experience
  • Experience with CAD modeling and drawing
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance
  • U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
  • Master's or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering discipline
  • Active Secret or TS/SCI clearance
  • Spacecraft/satellite design experience
  • Rapid conceptual design iteration experience
  • Exceptional mechanical mechanism problem-solving skills
  • Hands-on development and testing experience
  • Experience with analysis and interpretation of test data (Thermal, Vibe)
  • Ability to take a product from concept through to production with little supervision
  • Highly self-motivated and able to work autonomously
  • Master's degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering
  • Ability to apply GD&T to component designs
  • Experience developing satellite deployment systems
  • General spacecraft systems engineering knowledge, and experience with requirements assessments and interface control document generation

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.

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

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.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$89,350-$125,325 USD

Base Salary

$82,400-$113,000 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.

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a private American aerospace manufacturer and small satellite launch service provider. The company was founded in 2006 by New Zealander Peter Beck. Rocket Lab's Electron rocket is designed to launch small payloads of up to 300 kg into low Earth orbit. The company has launched several successful missions and has contracts with NASA and other organizations. Rocket Lab has raised over $200 million in funding and has offices in the United States and New Zealand.
Learn more about Rocket Lab
Size
500 employees
Market Cap
$1.6 billion
Industry
Founded
2006
NASDAQ

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