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Rocket Lab is seeking a Manager of Mechanical Engineering to lead the mechanical engineering function at its Pasadena robotics facility. This is a hands-on leadership role combining people management with deep technical contribution.
You will lead and develop a team of mechanical engineers delivering space robotics, precision mechanisms, electromechanical assemblies, tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment for high-reliability spaceflight applications. The role spans the full mechanical development lifecycle: requirements definition, concept development, trade studies, CAD (SolidWorks), analysis, drawing release, procurement, assembly, integration, environmental testing, qualification, and delivery.
Key responsibilities include:
- Managing and mentoring a team of mechanical engineers while fostering a high-performance culture centered on technical ownership, practical execution, and accountability
- Supporting staffing, utilization, career development, performance feedback, and resource planning across programs
- Serving as a hands-on technical contributor: developing mechanical concepts, creating and reviewing CAD, performing trade studies, supporting analysis, and resolving design issues
- Owning mechanical design efforts from concept through delivery, including mechanical architecture, packaging, interface definition, tolerance strategy, materials selection, and fabrication approach
- Driving technical decisions on assembly flow, inspection planning, verification, and design risk mitigation
- Identifying and mitigating technical, schedule, staffing, manufacturing, and test risks to improve program execution
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or related discipline
- 8+ years of hands-on mechanical engineering experience, including leading development efforts and supporting engineering teams
- Proven track record delivering high-reliability or spaceflight hardware from concept through design, build, integration, test, qualification, and delivery
- Experience managing or technically leading engineers, including prioritization, mentoring, technical review, performance feedback, and professional development
- Strong background in mechanical design, precision mechanisms, robotics, electromechanical assemblies, aerospace hardware, tooling, and ground support equipment
- Experience with the full mechanical development cycle and production readiness
Rocket Lab builds rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems for space missions. The Space Systems team has enabled over 1,700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration to national security initiatives, partnering with NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
