MECHANICAL ENGINEER IIBased onsite at Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena, California, the Mechanical Engineer II will develop mechanical and electromechanical hardware for space robotics, precision mechanisms, tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment. The role supports hardware through concept development, detailed design, analysis, drawing release, procurement, assembly, integration, environmental test, qualification, and delivery. The ideal candidate is a practical, hands-on mechanical engineer with strong CAD fundamentals, sound engineering judgment, and an interest in developing reliable, manufacturable hardware for demanding spaceflight environments.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO- Develop precision mechanisms, robotic systems, electromechanical assemblies, tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment for spaceflight and ground applications.
- Translate program, system, production, and test needs into practical mechanical architectures, interfaces, packaging concepts, and verification approaches.
- Develop mechanical hardware through concept development, trade studies, detailed design, analysis, drawing release, procurement, assembly, integration, environmental test, qualification, and delivery.
- Design space mechanisms and motion systems including actuators, gimbals, gear trains, harmonic drives, bearings, motors, rotary sensors, springs, launch locks, release devices, and kinematic or pseudo-kinematic interfaces.
- Create and maintain product definition in SolidWorks, including 3D CAD models, production drawings, interface details, bills of material, assembly documentation, test procedures, and supporting design analyses.
- Apply GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, material and process selection, first-principles calculations, and finite element analysis to make sound design decisions.
- Design hardware for stiffness, strength, thermal environments, vibration and shock, tolerance control, manufacturability, inspectability, assembly, integration, and test.
- Work closely with electrical, software, systems, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and test teams to evaluate alternatives and deliver practical, build-ready solutions.
- Support hardware assembly, integration, troubleshooting, inspection, environmental testing, qualification testing, fixture development, and review of test data.
- Coordinate with machine shops and suppliers to resolve fabrication questions, evaluate manufacturing approaches, and support timely hardware delivery.
- Document technical decisions, design analyses, test results, risks, and verification evidence in support of program milestones and design reviews.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechatronics, robotics, or another related engineering discipline.
- 2+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience.
- Experience designing mechanical hardware, mechanisms, aerospace hardware, robotic systems, or electromechanical assemblies.
- Experience with SolidWorks or a comparable CAD platform, including 3D modeling and production drawing creation.
- Working knowledge of GD&T, tolerance analysis, material selection, manufacturing processes, and mechanical design documentation.
- Ability to use engineering fundamentals, hand calculations, and analysis tools to support design decisions.
- Hands-on experience supporting hardware build, integration, troubleshooting, inspection, or testing.
- Ability to work effectively with cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and test teams.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE- Experience developing spacecraft mechanisms, robotic manipulators, precision motion systems, actuators, gimbals, deployment systems, or similar high-reliability hardware.
- Experience supporting hardware through environmental testing, including vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum, or life testing.
- Experience with finite element analysis and interpretation of structural, vibration, or thermal test data.
- Experience taking a component or assembly from concept through fabrication, assembly, test, and production readiness.
- Experience with NASA, JPL, DoD, commercial space, or other high-reliability aerospace programs.
- Strong mechanical problem-solving skills and a practical, hands-on approach to hardware development.
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.
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.
Base Pay Range (CA Only)
$100,000-$126,000 USD
WHAT TO EXPECTWe'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.
Important information:
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.
