Rocket Lab

Senior Mechanical Development & Test Engineer I

Rocket Lab • $115K — $158K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field.
  • 5+ years of engineering experience in aerospace.
  • Proficient in NX Nastran, NX CAD, and Teamcenter.
  • Experience in component and system-level environmental testing.
  • Familiarity with test automation and post-test data analysis.

Responsibilities

  • Lead qualification test campaigns.
  • Develop high-volume acceptance test infrastructure for production.
  • Advise on in-house test capabilities and future needs.
  • Manage test projects, including resourcing and scheduling.
  • Implement and validate test infrastructure hands-on.
  • Collaborate with design and test engineers on requirements.
  • Design Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) for tests.

Benefits

  • Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount.
  • Top-tier medical plans with significant HSA contributions.
  • Paid vacation, sick time, and 11 paid holidays.
  • Flexible spending and dependent care accounts.
  • Paid parental leave and disability/life insurance.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
  • Subsidized EV charging and onsite fitness centers.
Full Job Description
SENIOR MECHANICAL TEST ENGINEER I

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Mechanical Development & Test Engineer I is responsible for the end-to-end design, build, test, and execution of complex internal test capabilities. This may include test setups for qualification and subsequent large-volume acceptance tests requiring high levels of automation. Hardware tests may include avionics boxes, complex mechanisms, and fully integrated spacecraft in stressing environments.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
  • Lead qualification test campaigns.
  • Lead high-volume acceptance test infrastructure development and insertion into the production floor.
  • Advise on in-house test capabilities, limits, and future needs.
  • Manage test projects end-to-end, to include resourcing, scheduling, and budgeting as needed.
  • Hands-on work with test infrastructure implementation and validation.
  • Work closely with design and other test engineers to iterate through design concepts and determine test requirements.
  • Design complex Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) to support test implementation.

QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS A SENIOR MECHANICAL TEST ENGINEER I:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline.
  • 5+ years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry.
  • Experience using NX Nastran, NX CAD, and Teamcenter packages.
  • Experience in component and system-level environmental testing.
  • Experience with test automation and post-test data analysis.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
  • Master's or PhD in mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline.
  • Experience with Confluence and JIRA.
  • Experience with Python for automation and data analysis.
  • Experience leading teams of engineers and technicians.

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)

$135,475-$194,075 USD

Base Salary

$115,200-$158,400 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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