Senior Mechanical Engineer I/II

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

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 empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER SENIOR I/II

As a Mechanical Engineer supporting Rocket Lab’s Silver Spring, Maryland site, you will lead the development of innovative and complex electromechanical systems from early concept through production implementation on aggressive timelines.

This facility manufactures satellite separation mechanisms, and the selected candidate will have the flexibility to sit remote from Rocket Lab’s headquarters in Long Beach while collaborating closely with the Silver Spring team.

In this role, you will drive technical execution, partner cross‑functionally, and contribute to hardware that directly supports Rocket Lab’s mission of improving life on Earth by going to space. To be successful, you must be detail‑oriented , collaborative , and motivated to tackle complex challenges with a team that has each other’s backs.

Join a driven group delivering on exciting missions and making an impact on the future of space.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Mechanical Engineer I or Senior Mechanical Engineer II level.)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO

Lead schedule-aggressive development of innovative space mechanisms from concept through implementation as responsible engineer

Design mechanisms and structures in CAD and analyze using hand calcs and FEA

Lead requirements definition, traceability, compliance, verification, and system validation

Prepare and maintain technical documentation, such as system design descriptions, CONOPS and ICDs

Create and maintain requirements verification matrices and risk management plans

Support constant incremental improvements to the development team’s engineering approach and best practices

Generate technical reports and presentations to communicate findings, progress, and recommendations to internal stakeholders and external partners

Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure proper functionality across system interfaces and for end users

Own development schedules, project milestone reviews and technical interchange meetings

Mentor other engineers

Support business development proposals and custom SOWs

Support travel or off-site work to suppliers, customers, and other Rocket Lab sites, approximately 10%.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER I:

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field

5+ years experience in aerospace mechanical development projects

CAD and FEA proficiency

Thorough understandings of aerospace standards, environments, verification tests and requirements

Experience managing complex projects across organizational teams

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER II:

SENIOR ENGINEER I qualifications plus

8+ years of experience in aerospace mechanical development projects

3+ years as responsible engineer on mechanical development projects

Experience mentoring other engineers

CAD and FEA proficiency

Thorough understandings of aerospace standards, environments, verification tests and requirements

Experience managing complex projects across organizational team

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

MS in relevant engineering field

Proficiency in NX CAD and Simcenter FEA software

Strong task management, communication and problem solving skills

Experience adapting to changing priorities and quickly resolving blockers

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.

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 salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab.

Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

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.

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 .

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.