Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Engineer II or Principal level) WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: Lead mechanical integration and verification of high-reliability payload assemblies, subassemblies, and flight hardware Execute mechanical build tasks, precision alignments, torque/tolerance verification, and hardware fit checks Coordinate environmental testing (vibration, shock, TVAC) and assess mechanical performance throughout test campaigns Identify mechanical integration risks, develop mitigation plans, and drive rapid issue resolution Work closely with Optics, Electrical, Systems, and AIT teams to ensure structurally and thermally compliant integrations Refine mechanical procedures, integration tooling, and test setups to increase efficiency and hardware consistency Support readiness reviews, data packages, configuration audits, and delivery milestones Drive continuous improvements in build processes, mechanical verification approaches, and interface control YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS SENIOR ENGINEER II: U.S. citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering; advanced degree preferred 8+ years hands-on experience integrating and testing mechanical hardware for space or high-reliability systems Strong experience with CAD tools (SolidWorks) for interface interpretation and integration planning Working knowledge of GD&T, tolerancing, precision mechanical alignment, and hardware inspection Experience with environmental test preparation and post-test mechanical inspection YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS PRINCIPAL ENGINEER: Active U.S. Government Security Clearance with TS/SCI eligibility Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering; advanced degree preferred 12+ years hands-on experience integrating and testing mechanical hardware for space or high-reliability systems Strong experience with CAD tools (SolidWorks) for interface interpretation and integration planning Working knowledge of GD&T, tolerancing, precision mechanical alignment, and hardware inspection Experience with environmental test preparation and post-test mechanical inspection THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Experience integrating EO/IR payloads or opto-mechanical assemblies Familiarity with contamination control, materials compatibility, adhesives, and fastener systems Experience developing mechanical integration procedures or test plans Prior experience supporting hardware qualification or acceptance testing ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing Must be physically able to commute to buildings Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise Ability to regularly perform hands-on hardware integration in lab/cleanroom environments Ability to support extended or off-shift work during key test milestones 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. 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.