Rocket Lab Corporation

Manager, Mechanical Engineering

Pasadena, CA · Contract

Work authorization required$142k-$189kDetected 8 days ago

ProcurementSolidWorksGD&TRoboticsMechanical DesignAerospace EngineeringLeadershipCommunicationProblem SolvingMentoringTolerance AnalysisActuators

About the role

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives.
Whether it's 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.

Responsibilities

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.
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 rocket has 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.
At Rocket Lab, we're not just launching rockets - we're 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.
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.
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.

Requirements

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.
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.
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.
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.
Hands-on experience supporting hardware assembly, integration, troubleshooting, inspection, environmental test, qualification, and design iteration.

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 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.
We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's 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.

Compensation

$142,000 - $189,000 USD
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,

Benefits

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.
Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab.
Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role.
Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.
Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Visa & Work Authorization

citizen, lawful U

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