Senior Mechanical Development & Test Engineer II

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets spacecraft and critical subsystems that keep the world connected protected expand humanitys reach to the Moon Mars and beyond. We move fast build real hardware for meaningful missions and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab were not just launching rockets were building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space like solar panels flight software star trackers optical systems separation systems radios and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team 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. Whether its a single high-performance spacecraft constellation or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR MECHANICAL TEST ENGINEER I

Based out of Rocket Labs global headquarters in Long Beach CA the Senior Mechanical Development & Test Engineer II isresponsible for the end-to-end design build test and execution of complex internal test capabilities. This may include test setups forqualificationand subsequent large-volume acceptance tests requiring high levels of automation. Hardware tests may include avionics boxes complex mechanisms and fully integrated spacecraft instressingenvironments.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Lead qualification test campaigns.
• Lead high-volume acceptance test infrastructure development and insertion into the production floor.
• Advise on in-house test capabilities limits and future needs.
• Manage test projects end-to-end to include resourcing scheduling and budgeting as needed.
• Hands-on work with test infrastructure implementation and validation.
• Work closely with design and other test engineers to iterate through design concepts and determine test requirements.
• Design complex Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE) to support test implementation.

QUALIFICATIONS YOULL BRING AS A SENIOR MECHANICAL TEST ENGINEER II:

• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering or other engineeringdiscipline.
• 8 years of engineering experience in the aerospace industry.
• Experience using NX Nastran NX CAD and Teamcenter packages.
• Experience in component and system-level environmental testing.
• Experience with test automation and post-test data analysis.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Masters or PhD in mechanical engineering or other engineeringdiscipline.
• Experience with Confluence and JIRA.
• Experience with Python for automation and data analysis.
• Experience leading teams of engineers and technicians.

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

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function level experience and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the worlds fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of addition to competitive base pay youll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites groundbreaking missions and global markets your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock) top-tier medical plans (HMO PPO and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company 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) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging onsite fitness centers (where available) discounted gym memberships complimentary snacks and beverages 50% employee discount on our popular merch store and a variety of other employee discounts.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills education and experience.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$164500 - $255275 USD

Base Salary

$132000 - $198000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats not an easy task. It takes hard work determination relentless innovation teamwork grit and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each others backs checking our egos at the door and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure work to tight deadlines and our focus is always on how we can deliver rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder) or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab including recruiting hiring placement promotion termination layoff recall transfer leaves of absence compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia Japan New Zealand Switzerland the European Union or a country that is part of NATO or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations click here ITAR Regulations.

Required Experience:

Senior IC