Mechanical Engineer II

About Rocket Lab

Mechanical Engineer II

What You'll Do

• Develop precision mechanisms, robotic systems, electromechanical assemblies, tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment.
• Translate program, system, production, and test needs into practical mechanical architectures, interfaces, packaging concepts, and verification approaches.
• Design motion systems involving actuators, gimbals, gear trains, harmonic drives, bearings, motors, rotary sensors, springs, launch locks, and release devices.
• Create SolidWorks models, production drawings, interface details, bills of material, assembly documentation, test procedures, and design analyses.
• Apply GD&T, tolerance analysis, material and process selection, hand calculations, and finite element analysis to design decisions.
• Design hardware for stiffness, strength, thermal environments, vibration, shock, tolerance control, manufacturability, inspection, assembly, integration, and test.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, systems, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and test teams.
• Support hardware assembly, integration, troubleshooting, inspection, environmental testing, qualification testing, fixture development, and test-data review.
• Coordinate with machine shops and suppliers to resolve fabrication questions and support hardware delivery.
• Document technical decisions, analyses, test results, risks, and verification evidence for milestones and design reviews.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechatronics, robotics, or a related engineering discipline.
• At least 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing spacecraft mechanisms, robotic manipulators, precision motion systems, actuators, gimbals, deployment systems, or similar high-reliability hardware.
• Experience with vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum, or life testing and interpretation of related 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.

Work Environment

• The position may involve prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and computer work.
• The role may include occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Compensation and Benefits

• The California base pay range is $100,000 to $126,000 USD.
• Level and base salary are determined based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
• Total compensation includes company stock and benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) match.

Employment Information