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Spacecraft Mechanic Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Spacecraft Mechanical Designer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! We are seeking an experienced mechanical designer to develop novel design concepts for space flight instruments including electro ...

Spacecraft Mechanical Designer Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! We are seeking an experienced mechanical designer to develop novel design concepts for space flight instruments including electro ...

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Spacecraft Mechanic information

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$19

$31

$43

How much do spacecraft mechanic jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for spacecraft mechanic in the United States is $31.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.52 and $37.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Spacecraft Mechanic vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectSpacecraft MechanicAircraft Maintenance Technician
Required CertificationsNASA certifications, FAA licenses for spacecraftFAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license
Work EnvironmentSpacecraft assembly, testing facilities, launch sitesAirports, maintenance hangars, repair shops
Employer & IndustrySpace agencies, aerospace companiesCommercial airlines, private aviation
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve repairing and maintaining complex vehicles, Spacecraft Mechanics focus on spacecraft systems in space-related environments, requiring specialized certifications and work settings. Aircraft Maintenance Technicians primarily service aircraft in aviation settings, with certifications aligned to FAA standards. Both careers demand technical skills but differ significantly in environment and specific qualifications.

How much does a spacecraft mechanic make?

A spacecraft mechanic typically earns between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often require specialized skills in aerospace systems and certifications in maintenance and safety standards.
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What cities are hiring for Spacecraft Mechanic jobs?

Cities with the most Spacecraft Mechanic job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Spacecraft Mechanic jobs?

The top employers for Spacecraft Mechanic jobs are:

What states have the most Spacecraft Mechanic jobs?

States with the most job openings for Spacecraft Mechanic jobs include:

Infographic showing various Spacecraft Mechanic job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,668 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I

Rocket Lab Corporation

Long Beach, CA

$109K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Rocket Lab rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SPACE SYSTEMS

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.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 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 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. 

SENIOR SPACECRAFT MECHANICAL ENGINEER I 

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer I is responsible for developing high performance and lightweight satellite deployment systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations for our customers. You will support the Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

  • Support the Business Development team with proposals and mission concepts
  • Develop high performance and lightweight satellite systems, mechanisms, and satellite bus configurations for our customers
  • Develop concepts and satellite configurations for high value science and interplanetary missions
  • Define what mechanisms look like on a modern satellite system/bus
  • Own component designs from conceptual design through production, test, and operation
  • Perform hand-calcs and FEA to drive design decisions
  • Lead key component design, manufacturing, and test reviews
  • Create and maintain product definition through CAD, production drawings, and test and operations procedures
  • Manage development schedules, vendors, budgets, and other project deliverables

QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING:

  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering discipline
  • 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience
  • Experience with CAD modeling and drawing
  • U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • Active Secret or TS clearance
  • Master's or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering discipline
  • Spacecraft/satellite design experience
  • Rapid conceptual design iteration experience
  • Exceptional mechanical mechanism problem-solving skills
  • Hands-on development and testing experience
  • Experience with analysis and interpretation of test data (Thermal, Vibe)
  • Ability to take a product from concept through to production with little supervision
  • Highly self-motivated and able to work autonomously
  • Master's degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering
  • Ability to apply GD&T to component designs
  • Experience developing satellite deployment systems
  • General spacecraft systems engineering knowledge, and experience with requirements assessments and interface control document generation

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.


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