Principal Mechanism Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights

SPACE SYSTEMS

You already know Rocket Lab as a global launch leader with our Electron rocket - one of the most frequently flown in the world. Next up? Neutron - our reusable rocket built for the mega constellations of the future. But we're not just launching rockets. Rocket Lab Space Systems is building the future of space.

From sending CAPSTONE to the Moon with NASA to enabling microgravity manufacturing through successful orbital re-entry - and next, heading to Mars with UC Berkeley and NASA - we design and build spacecraft that do what others can't. Whether it's a single high-performance satellite or a full constellation, we do it all - faster and smarter - thanks to our vertically integrated satellite components.

If you're ready to work with a world-class team that takes on the boldest space missions and makes the impossible possible - we're just getting started.

PRINCIPAL MECHANISMS ENGINEER - SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we're redefining what's possible in space - from reliable Electron launches and deep space missions with NASA to our upcoming Neutron rocket designed to power mega-constellations.

To support this momentum, we're expanding our Space Systems team and looking for a Principal Mechanism Engineer to lead the design, development, and qualification of world-class ADCS actuators at scale.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Own the full life cycle of reaction wheel development, from requirements to on-orbit commissioning.
• Provide expert technical support to internal mission teams and global customers.
• Lead failure investigations, non-conformance reviews, and continuous improvement across production.
• Design, verify, and validate systems through environmental testing (TVAC, vibration, shock, EMC).
• Develop and implement advanced testing methodologies.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive technical knowledge transfer across teams.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering (or a related field), with over 8 years of proven experience in developing brushless electric motors, reaction wheels, momentum wheels, or control moment gyroscopes (CMGs).
• Proven leadership in risk management and material review boards, collaborating directly with customers to resolve issues.
• Proven ability to lead products from requirements definition through to on-orbit commissioning.
• Passionate about mentoring junior engineers and developing technical training materials.
• Experienced with aerospace and spaceflight standards including NASA-STD-5017, ECSS-E-ST-3301C, SMC-S-016, and AS9100 quality systems.

Technical Knowledge:

• Bearing preload techniques and verification
• Electrically commutated motors and drive topologies
• Rotor dynamics and imbalance characterization
• Micro-vibration analysis and mitigation
• Vacuum tribology, including lubricants for prolonged space operation
• Bearing material selection and load capacity analysis

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Hands-on experience with on-orbit anomaly investigations and failure/root cause analysis.
• Strong background in space-grade electronics, including magnetics design and brushless motor drive circuits.
• Knowledge of control systems, estimators, and various speed/position encoders used in spacecraft mechanisms.
• Skilled in requirements management and preparing compliance matrices to ensure mission alignment.
• Experienced in planning, executing, and reporting development, acceptance, and qualification testing.
• Proficient in Python for statistical analysis of large production datasets.

Ready to push boundaries and build the future of space?

Apply now and make your mark at Rocket Lab

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 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.