Mechanical 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 and precision payloads, along with 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, including interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing, and national security and defense initiatives. Its partners include NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.

Mechanical Engineer I

As a Mechanical Engineer I at Rocket Lab's site in Silver Spring, Maryland, you will join a team that develops spaceflight mechanism concepts, with a focus on separation systems. You will help design, build, and optimize the products and processes that turn these ideas into hardware, and you will drive continuous improvements toward faster, better, and smarter ways to build.

What You'll Do

• Carry out hands-on assembly and physical production of mechanical space systems
• Identify and implement quality and process improvements
• Improve electro-mechanical space systems, including design, prototyping, production, and test
• Analyze mechanical systems using classical and computer methods
• Work with machinists and vendors to make sure components are manufactured correctly
• Inspect and perform quality control on machined parts
• Travel occasionally to meet with customers about products

Benefits and Compensation

Compensation includes competitive base pay plus company stock as part of the total package. Benefits include an Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount, medical, dental, and vision coverage, an HSA option, paid vacation, sick leave and holidays, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) with company match. Perks include a flexible schedule, catered breakfast and lunch twice a week, and free snacks and drinks.

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