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Rocket Lab is seeking a Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II to join the Space Systems team in Long Beach, CA. This role focuses on developing high-performance, lightweight satellite deployment systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations for government and commercial customers.
You will own mechanical component designs from conceptual design through production, test, and operation. Key responsibilities include supporting business development with proposals and mission concepts, developing satellite configurations for science and interplanetary missions, performing hand calculations and finite element analysis (FEA) to drive design decisions, and leading component design, manufacturing, and test reviews.
You will create and maintain product definitions through CAD modeling, production drawings, and test/operations procedures. Additional responsibilities include managing development schedules, vendors, budgets, and other project deliverables. The role requires defining what modern satellite mechanisms look like and taking products from concept through production with minimal supervision.
The Space Systems team has enabled over 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration to national security initiatives, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. You will support internal leadership, board of directors, and investor deliverables.
Required qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or related engineering discipline, 2+ years of mechanical engineering experience, proficiency with CAD modeling and drawing, an active TS/SCI security clearance, and U.S. citizenship. Preferred qualifications include a Master's or PhD, spacecraft/satellite design experience, rapid conceptual design iteration experience, hands-on development and testing experience, thermal and vibration analysis skills, GD&T application expertise, and satellite deployment systems experience.
