Mechanical Development & Test Engineer I

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company that builds rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that help keep the world connected and protected, and that extend humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The team moves fast, builds real hardware for meaningful missions, and works to make the impossible routine.

Space Systems

The Space Systems team builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads, and the components and subsystems that help them operate in space, such as solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios.

The team has supported more than 1,700 missions, from interplanetary exploration and in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. It 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.

Mechanical Development & Test Engineer I

Based at Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, this role supports the design, build, and execution of internal test capabilities. This may include helping set up qualification and acceptance tests for satellite components and systems. Hardware tests may cover avionics boxes, complex mechanisms, and fully integrated spacecraft in demanding environments.

What You'll Do

• Assist in preparing and running qualification and acceptance test campaigns.
• Support the development and maintenance of test infrastructure and equipment.
• Perform hands-on assembly and disassembly of test setups, including instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Work with senior engineers to confirm test setups meet design and safety requirements.
• Document test procedures, results, and lessons learned.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues during testing under the guidance of senior engineers.
• Follow safety and quality standards during all test operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field.
• 0+ years of experience in mechanical testing, aerospace, or a related field (internship experience is acceptable).
• Familiarity with CAD software (e.g., NX, SolidWorks, or similar).
• Basic understanding of mechanical systems and testing principles.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Nice to Have

• Experience with data acquisition systems and instrumentation.
• Familiarity with environmental testing (thermal, vibration, shock).
• Experience with Python or MATLAB for data analysis.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly or prototyping.

Work Environment

This position may require long periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Compensation and Benefits

Rocket Lab offers competitive base pay plus company stock as part of total compensation. Base pay is set case by case based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience. Benefits include an Employee Stock Purchase Program (15% discount on company stock), medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with HSA contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) with company match. Perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers where available, discounted gym memberships, snacks and beverages, a 50% employee discount on the merch store, and other employee discounts.

What to Expect

The mission is to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, which takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, and grit. The team looks out for each other, sets egos aside, and gets hands-on with tasks big and small. Members work well under pressure and to tight deadlines, focusing on how to deliver.

Important Information

For candidates seeking to work in U.S. offices: To comply with U.S. space technology export regulations, including ITAR, employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, lawfully admitted refugee or asylee, or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or Department of Commerce. Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics. Applicants needing reasonable accommodation for the application or interview process may contact [email protected]. Responses may take up to two business days.

For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices: Background checks, including nationality checks, will be completed before any offer. Applicants must be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by ITAR, and may be ineligible if they do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO member country, or if they hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.