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Rocket Lab is seeking a Manager of Spacecraft Mechanical Design to lead the mechanical design team within the Space Systems division. Based in Long Beach, CA, this is a hands-on functional management role reporting to the Space Vehicle Design Director, overseeing 6–10 direct reports.
You will guide and mentor engineers while actively contributing as an individual contributor on spacecraft development programs. Responsibilities include conducting 1-on-1s, performance reviews, and career development support; coaching and mentoring engineers; conducting peer reviews of designs and drawings; performing independent design and development work; organizing teams for larger projects; and collaborating cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Assembly Integration & Test, Production, and Quality teams.
You will work closely with mechanical engineers, test engineers, and production teams to iterate through design concepts with emphasis on design-for-manufacture and design-for-integration. You will also develop and maintain design standards, documentation templates, test specifications, and organizational processes.
The ideal candidate has a strong mechanical and structural background with prior experience leading spacecraft mechanical development programs. You should have expertise in designing, analyzing, building, and testing spacecraft structures and mechanisms, and be comfortable working in a fast-paced development environment.
Required qualifications: Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or related engineering discipline; 8+ years of engineering experience; spacecraft/satellite design experience; 1+ years as a team lead, manager, or technical leader; US citizenship (required due to program requirements).
Desirable qualifications include proficiency in Siemens NX and Teamcenter; expertise in CAD, drafting, and GD&T; multiple successes bringing spacecraft hardware from concept through launch; direct experience with environmental testing; methodological approach to spacecraft design; high proficiency in physics-based analysis and testing; ability to execute aggressive deadlines; strong communication and relationship-building skills; experience with fabrication processes (CNC machining, additive manufacturing); composite design and analysis experience; and experience with spacecraft assemblies, mechanisms, deployables, avionics, or propulsion systems.
