Senior Mechanical Engineer I

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 I Based onsite at Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena, California, the Senior Mechanical Engineer II will lead mechanical design and mechanism development efforts for space robotics, precision mechanisms, electromechanical assemblies, tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment. The role translates program, production, and test needs into practical mechanical architectures and drives approved designs through analysis, review, procurement, assembly, integration, environmental test, qualification, and flight delivery. The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical leader with deep experience in SolidWorks, precision mechanical design, mechanisms, tolerance analysis, manufacturability, and spaceflight hardware delivery. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO Lead assigned mechanical and mechanism development efforts, including definition of scope, requirements, schedules, technical risks, project milestones, and verification plans. Serve as responsible engineer for complex components or subsystems and own technical execution through design, procurement, build, test, qualification, and delivery. Lead trade studies and technical decisions involving mechanical architecture, packaging, interfaces, tolerance strategy, materials, fabrication approach, assembly flow, inspection planning, verification, and design risk. Lead design, manufacturing, and test reviews with engineering, production, quality, supply chain, and test stakeholders; document actions and drive closure. Manage technical schedules, vendors, budgets, build priorities, and risk-mitigation activities needed to meet program commitments. Mentor less-experienced engineers and contribute to…