Senior Mechanical Development & Test Engineer I Verified today
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, and expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Space Systems Team
Our Space Systems team builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads, solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. We have enabled more than 1,700 missions including interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing, and national security initiatives. We've built spacecraft and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
The Role
Based in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Mechanical Development & Test Engineer I is responsible for the end-to-end design, build, test, and execution of complex internal test capabilities. This includes test setups for qualification and large-volume acceptance tests requiring high levels of automation. Hardware tests may include avionics boxes, complex mechanisms, and fully integrated spacecraft in stressing environments.
What You'll 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, including resourcing, scheduling, and budgeting
- 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
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or other engineering discipline
- 5+ 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
Nice to Have
- Master's or PhD in mechanical engineering or other engineering discipline
- Experience with Confluence and JIRA
- Experience with Python for automation and data analysis
- Experience leading teams of engineers and technicians
Compensation & Benefits
Base pay range (CA only): $124,000 to $186,000 USD. Compensation includes company stock, Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount, medical plans (HMO, PPO, zero-cost HDHP with 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, 401(k) with company match, subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, and employee discounts. Level and base salary determined case-by-case based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Work Environment
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.
Important Note
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or Department of Commerce.