Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I

About the role

Rocket Lab Corporation is seeking a Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I to join their growing engineering team in Long Beach, California. This position involves the design, analysis, and testing of mechanical components and subsystems that are used in spacecraft vehicles and launch systems. The engineer will work hands-on with hardware that plays a direct role in supporting launch operations and various space missions. This is an early-career engineering role within the mechanical engineering discipline at the company, offering meaningful contribution to real flight programs. The position provides an excellent foundation for a long-term career in the aerospace and space systems industry.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Design and model mechanical components for spacecraft systems using computer-aided design software tools and platforms to support vehicle development.
• Perform structural analysis and thermal analysis on spacecraft mechanical assemblies and subsystems to verify performance under expected conditions.
• Support the integration and testing of hardware during both ground-based and flight qualification campaigns at the company facility.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including systems engineers and manufacturing technicians on vehicle assembly and builds.
• Create detailed technical drawings and specifications for mechanical parts and associated fabrication processes.
• Analyze test data from vibration thermal and structural campaigns to validate that designs meet all requirements.
• Participate in design reviews and provide engineering recommendations for spacecraft mechanical improvements and optimizations.
• Assist in the selection of materials and manufacturing methods for spaceflight hardware and components.
• Document engineering decisions and maintain configuration management records for all mechanical design changes and updates.
• Support the development of mechanisms such as deployment systems separation systems and structural interfaces.
• Contribute to failure analysis and root cause investigations for mechanical hardware issues and anomalies.
• Help prepare technical reports and presentations for internal engineering teams and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate with suppliers and vendors to ensure procured mechanical parts meet quality and specification standards.
• Conduct design feasibility studies and trade-off analyses to evaluate alternative mechanical solutions for spacecraft.
• Review and approve vendor drawings and ensure compliance with Rocket Lab engineering standards and specifications.
• Participate in weekly project meetings and provide status updates on mechanical design progress and milestones.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related engineering discipline from an accredited four-year institution.
• Strong understanding of mechanics materials science and structural analysis principles as applied to spacecraft systems.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks or NX for creating detailed and accurate mechanical models.
• Familiarity with finite element analysis tools for performing stress and thermal simulations on mechanical components.
• Basic knowledge of spacecraft systems and the spaceflight environment including launch loads and orbital conditions.
• Ability to communicate technical findings clearly through written reports and oral presentations to cross-functional teams.
• Attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks within concurrent engineering projects effectively.
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to shifting project priorities as needed.
• Experience with GD&T and mechanical tolerancing to ensure proper fit and function of assembled parts.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently while also contributing to team objectives.

Nice to have

• Experience with Python or MATLAB for automating engineering calculations and data processing tasks is beneficial.
• Prior internship or co-op experience at a space or aerospace company is strongly valued here.
• Knowledge of mechanical testing standards and procedures commonly used in the aerospace industry setting.
• Familiarity with version control systems and requirements management tools for maintaining engineering documentation records.
• Exposure to systems engineering principles and the ability to understand broader spacecraft system interactions.

Skills & tools

• SolidWorks or NX for three-dimensional mechanical design and modeling of spacecraft components and assemblies.
• Finite element analysis software such as ANSYS for performing structural and thermal simulation work.
• MATLAB or Python for data analysis automation and engineering computation scripts and workflows.
• Microsoft Office Suite for documentation spreadsheets and technical report preparation and presentation creation.
• Technical drawing standards including ASME Y14.5 for creating detailed manufacturing drawings and specifications.
• Project management and collaboration tools for tracking design tasks and coordinating with team members.
• Familiarity with version control systems such as Git for managing engineering design files and revisions.
• Understanding of quality assurance processes and non-destructive testing methods used in aerospace manufacturing.

Practical notes

• This role is based at the Long Beach, California office and is not a remote position.
• The engineer will report to a senior mechanical engineer or engineering manager within the team structure.
• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States or hold valid work sponsorship eligibility.
• The hiring process includes technical interviews and a design exercise to assess practical engineering capabilities.
• Rocket Lab Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences.