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Rocket Lab

60 Rocket Lab Usa Spacecraft Systems Engineer Jobs Hiring Near You

Rocket Lab

Senior Systems Test Engineer I

Littleton, CO

$100K - $130K/yr

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and ... SENIOR SYSTEM TEST ENGINEER I Based out of Rocket Lab's office in Littleton, CO, the Senior System ...

Rocket Lab Corporation

Senior Systems Engineer II

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$114K - $156K/yr

ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and ... SENIOR SYSTEMS ENGINEER II Rocket Lab Robotics specializes in high-performance robotic systems and ...

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Rocket Lab Jobs Information

Do workers at Rocket Lab get paid breaks?

Yes. Most people get paid breaks.
80% of people say they get paid breaks.
Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and April 2026.

Does Rocket Lab pay people when they’re sick?

Yes. Most people get paid when they’re sick.
91% of people say they would get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and April 2026.

At Rocket Lab, are sick days and vacation days separate paid time off?

Sick days and vacation days are separate paid time off.
92% of people say they don’t have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.
Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and April 2026.

Is the health insurance from Rocket Lab affordable enough for their workers?

Most people say the health insurance costs are okay.
100% of people say the health insurance costs are okay
Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2025 and April 2026.

Do people get paid time off at Rocket Lab?

Most people get paid time off work.
100% of people say they get paid time off.
Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and April 2026.

Do workers at Rocket Lab worry about hours?

Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.
100% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.
Based on data from 8 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and November 2025.

Do Rocket Lab workers get to choose the shifts they work?

Some people don’t get to choose which shifts they work.
43% report that they don’t have enough control over which shifts they work.
Based on data from 7 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between April 2025 and November 2025.

How easy is it to get time off at Rocket Lab?

Most people find it easy to get time off.
92% of people report it’s easy to get time off.
Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and April 2026.

Do Rocket Lab managers change schedules at the last minute?

Most managers don’t change people’s schedules at the last minute.
100% of people say their manager doesn’t change their shift schedule at the last minute.
Based on data from 9 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and November 2025.

Do jobs at Rocket Lab spill into time workers aren’t paid for?

Rarely. The job doesn't usually spill into unpaid time.
13% of people report that their job takes up time that they don’t get paid for.
Based on data from 8 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and November 2025.

How easy is it to take sick days at Rocket Lab?

Most people find it easy to take sick days.
92% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 13 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and April 2026.

Do people at Rocket Lab feel treated with respect by their managers?

Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
100% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.
Based on data from 9 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and April 2026.

Do people at Rocket Lab get to take their breaks without interruption?

Most people get breaks without interruption.
67% of people report that they get to take their breaks without interruption.
Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and April 2026.

Is it stressful to work at Rocket Lab?

Some people feel stressed here.
54% of people say they often feel stressed at work.
Based on data from 13 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and April 2026.

Do people at Rocket Lab enjoy their jobs?

Most people enjoy their job.
80% of people report they enjoy their job.
Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and April 2026.

Do people at Rocket Lab recommend working with their team?

Only some people recommend working with their team.
36% of people report that they wouldn’t recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.
Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and April 2026.

Do people get enough training when they start at Rocket Lab?

Some people didn’t get enough training when they started.
43% of people report they didn’t get enough training when they started working here.
Based on data from 14 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and April 2026.

Do people get support to advance at Rocket Lab?

Only some people are given support to advance their career here.
In the last year, 45% of people report not being given support to advance their career here.
Based on data from 11 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and April 2026.

Do people think Rocket Lab’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?

Most people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
70% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.
Based on data from 10 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and April 2026.

Do workers feel well informed about how Rocket Lab is doing?

Only some people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
46% of people feel that they aren’t kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.
Based on data from 13 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between February 2025 and April 2026.

What other companies are hiring for Spacecraft Systems Engineer jobs?

What are the most popular jobs at Rocket Lab Usa?

What are the most popular categories at Rocket Lab Usa?

Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II

Rocket Lab Corporation

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$109K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 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

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 humanity's 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, 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 II 

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer II 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 AS SENIOR SPACECRAFT MECHANICAL ENGINEER II:

  • Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering discipline
  • 8+ 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.

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 world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll 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)
$164,500—$255,275 USD
Base Salary
$132,000—$198,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT 

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. We pride ourselves on having each other's 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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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.

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