Manager, Mechanical Engineering

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services complete spacecraft design and manufacturing payloads satellite components and more all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally supporting scientific exploration Earth observation and missions to combat climate change national security and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit all while we work to develop Neutron our upcoming medium-lift reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites payloads and their components including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Labwerenot just launching rockets werebuilding 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 anddefenseinitiatives. 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. Whetheritsa 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.

MANAGER MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Based on site at Rocket Lab Robotics in Pasadena CA the Manager Mechanical Engineering will lead and support the mechanical engineering function while also contributing technically to programs. This role is intended for a hands-on mechanical engineering leader who can manage people guide technical execution support staffing and utilization and still engage deeply in design analysis build test and delivery of flight and ground hardware.

The ideal candidate has strong technical depth in mechanical design precision mechanisms robotics spaceflight hardware CAD GD&T analysis manufacturing assembly integration and environmental test along with the leadership skills required to build a strong engineering culture and develop a high-performing team. You will support utilization career growth performance and well-being of mechanical engineers while helping programs deliver fully validated mechanical and electromechanical systems that meet technical cost schedule and quality targets.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Lead manage and develop a team of mechanical engineers delivering space robotics precision mechanisms electromechanical assemblies tooling fixtures ground support equipment and related high-reliability hardware.
• Foster a high-performance engineering culture built around technical ownership practical design execution clear documentation hands-on hardware delivery and accountability.
• Support staffing utilization mentoring performance feedback career development resource planning budgets and functional priorities across programs.
• Serve as a hands-on technical contributor while leading the team including developing mechanical concepts creating and reviewing SolidWorks CAD performing trade studies supporting analysis resolving design issues and driving hardware through build test and delivery.
• Own and lead mechanical design efforts from concept through CAD analysis drawing release procurement assembly integration environmental test qualification and delivery.
• Drive technical decisions on mechanical architecture packaging interfaces tolerance strategy materials fabrication approach assembly flow inspection planning verification and design risk.
• Identify technical schedule staffing manufacturing and test risks; develop mitigation plans to improve program execution and delivery.

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering Aerospace Engineering Mechatronics Robotics or another related engineering discipline.
• 8 years of hands-on mechanical engineering experience including experience leading development efforts and supporting teams of engineers.
• Proven track record delivering high-reliability or spaceflight hardware from concept through design build integration environmental test qualification and delivery.
• Experience managing or technically leading engineers including prioritization mentoring technical review performance feedback staffing support and professional development.
• Strong background in mechanical design precision mechanisms robotics electromechanical assemblies aerospace hardware tooling fixtures ground support equipment or related systems.
• Experience with the full mechanical development cycle including requirements definition concept development trade studies CAD analysis drawing release procurement assembly test troubleshooting and production readiness.
• Experience designing and delivering space mechanisms or similar high-reliability motion systems including motorized mechanisms actuators gimbals gear trains harmonic drives bearings motors rotary sensors springs release devices and kinematic or pseudo-kinematic interfaces.
• Strong experience with SolidWorks as the primary CAD tool including CAD modeling production drawings GD&T tolerance analysis mechanical analysis bills of material and design documentation.
• Hands-on experience supporting hardware assembly integration troubleshooting inspection environmental test qualification and design iteration.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Direct experience with NASA JPL DoD commercial space or prime contractor flight programs.
• Experience with robotic manipulators in-space servicing planetary robotics precision spacecraft mechanisms or similar space robotics systems.
• Experience establishing or scaling a mechanical engineering function including hiring technical standards design review practices mentoring resource planning and engineering process development.
• Experience with AS9100 ISO 9001 NASA standards configuration management quality systems root cause investigations failure analysis nonconformance disposition or test anomaly resolution.
• Strong communication documentation presentation problem-solving and cross-functional leadership skills.

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.

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.