Rocket Lab USA
Launch services and spacecraft components provider
Mechanical Engineer 2
About the job
- A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechatronics, robotics, or another related engineering discipline.
- At least 2 years of professional mechanical engineering experience.
- Experience designing mechanical hardware, mechanisms, aerospace hardware, robotic systems, or electromechanical assemblies.
- Experience with SolidWorks or a comparable computer-aided design platform, including 3D modeling and production drawing creation.
- Working knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, tolerance analysis, material selection, manufacturing processes, and mechanical design documentation.
- Ability to use engineering fundamentals, hand calculations, and analysis tools to support design decisions.
- Hands-on experience supporting hardware build, integration, troubleshooting, inspection, or testing.
- Ability to work effectively with cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and test teams.
- Develop precision mechanisms, robotic systems, electromechanical assemblies, tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment for spaceflight and ground applications.
- Translate program, system, production, and test needs into practical mechanical architectures, interfaces, packaging concepts, and verification approaches.
- Develop mechanical hardware through concept development, trade studies, detailed design, analysis, drawing release, procurement, assembly, integration, environmental test, qualification, and delivery.
- Design space mechanisms and motion systems including actuators, gimbals, gear trains, harmonic drives, bearings, motors, rotary sensors, springs, launch locks, release devices, and kinematic or pseudo-kinematic interfaces.
- Create and maintain product definition in SolidWorks, including 3D computer-aided design models, production drawings, interface details, bills of material, assembly documentation, test procedures, and supporting design analyses.
- Apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, tolerance stack-up analysis, material and process selection, first-principles calculations, and finite element analysis to make sound design decisions.
- Design hardware for stiffness, strength, thermal environments, vibration and shock, tolerance control, manufacturability, inspectability, assembly, integration, and test.
- Work closely with electrical, software, systems, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and test teams to evaluate alternatives and deliver practical, build-ready solutions.
- Support hardware assembly, integration, troubleshooting, inspection, environmental testing, qualification testing, fixture development, and review of test data.
- Coordinate with machine shops and suppliers to resolve fabrication questions, evaluate manufacturing approaches, and support timely hardware delivery.
- Document technical decisions, design analyses, test results, risks, and verification evidence in support of program milestones and design reviews.
- Experience developing spacecraft mechanisms, robotic manipulators, precision motion systems, actuators, gimbals, deployment systems, or similar high-reliability hardware.
- Experience supporting hardware through environmental testing, including vibration, shock, thermal-vacuum, or life testing.
- Experience with finite element analysis and interpretation of structural, vibration, or thermal test data.
- Experience taking a component or assembly from concept through fabrication, assembly, test, and production readiness.
- Experience with NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Department of Defense, commercial space, or other high-reliability aerospace programs.
- Strong mechanical problem-solving skills and a practical, hands-on approach to hardware development.
About the company
Rocket Lab USA provides end-to-end space services including launch, spacecraft components, and mission support for government, defense, and commercial customers. Its Electron small-lift launcher delivers dedicated missions for small satellites, using carbon composite structures and 3D-printed Rutherford engines for high launch frequency. The Space Systems unit makes spacecraft components and the Photon satellite bus, and the company is developing Neutron for larger constellations and interplanetary missions, as well as HASTE for hypersonic tech tests. By combining in-house launch and hardware with strategic acquisitions, Rocket Lab offers integrated mission solutions to reduce risk and complexity, aiming to make space missions faster, more reliable, and more accessible.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Long Beach, California
Founded
2006
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Q2 2026 revenue hit $234 million, up 62%, with backlog reaching $2.36 billion.
- Rocket Lab booked more than $437 million in launch contracts and over $1 billion total Q3 deals.
- Space Force awarded a $397 million Flatellite contract, expanding defense demand into 2027.
What critics are saying
- Neutron still targets Q4 2026 pad delivery, and management admitted launch timing is slipping.
- The $8 billion Iridium deal faces FCC comments through November 9 and a September 24 vote.
- Any Neutron failure or Iridium regulatory block would damage Rocket Lab's premium valuation.
What makes Rocket Lab USA unique
- Electron has 95 missions through September 11, 2026, proving high launch cadence.
- Rocket Lab combines launch, spacecraft, and components; space systems became 60% of backlog.
- IMM Apex solar cells eliminate germanium, offering 31.5% efficiency and drop-in replacement integration.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Holidays
Paid Parental Leave
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Flexible Spending Account
Company Equity
Wellness Program
Phone/Internet Stipend
Childcare Support
Gym Membership
Employee Discounts
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Professional Development Budget
Conference Attendance Budget
Flexible Work Hours
Hybrid Work Options
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↓ -1%1 year growth
↓ -2%2 year growth
↓ -2%Rocket Lab's revenue reached a record $234 million in Q2 2026, up 62% year over year, with its backlog growing 137% to $2.36 billion. The company projects Q3 revenue of $250 million to $265 million, another record. Following its agreement to acquire Iridium Communications for $8 billion in mid-2027, analysts predict Rocket Lab's core operations (excluding Iridium) will surpass $1.5 billion in revenue by 2027. This projection requires roughly 55% growth from 2026's estimated $970 million, slightly below current growth rates. Through June 2026, Rocket Lab generated approximately $434 million in revenue. About 45% of its $2.36 billion backlog, roughly $1.1 billion, is expected to convert to revenue within 12 months. Iridium generated $872 million in revenue during 2025.
Rocket Lab USA shares rose approximately 3% in early Tuesday trading after completing an equity sale that raised $1.944 billion in gross proceeds. The company sold 29.3 million shares through an at-the-market programme to fund its planned acquisition of Iridium Communications. The proceeds will cover the cash component of the transaction, with remaining funds allocated for growth initiatives and general corporate purposes. Rocket Lab also provided an unsecured guarantee for Iridium's amended $1.775 billion term loan and terminated a previously arranged $3.6 billion bridge financing commitment. Rocket Lab agreed in June to acquire Iridium in a cash-and-stock deal valuing the satellite operator at approximately $8 billion, or $54 per share. The transaction is expected to close in mid-2027 and will expand Rocket Lab's operations beyond launch services and spacecraft production into satellite network operations.
RKLB stock extends gains overnight: Cathie Wood's ARK adds to Rocket Lab stake on new space solar catalyst. Published: Sep 09 2026, 12:10 PM IST * FB * TW * Linkdin * Whatsapp * GNFollow Us Cathie Wood's ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) bought 2,341 RKLB shares on Tuesday worth about $154,000. * The latest purchase followed ARK's acquisition of 705,102 RKLB shares worth $44.4 million across three ETFs over two days earlier this month. * Rocket Lab unveiled IMM Apex, a germanium-free space solar cell offering 31.5% beginning-of-life efficiency and 40% lower mass. * Rocket Lab completed its 94th Electron mission last week and has 16 more Synspective launches booked through 2030. Rocket Lab (RKLB) shares rose 4% overnight heading into Wednesday after Cathie Wood's ARK Investment Management added to its position, while the space company launched a lighter, germanium-free solar cell designed to reduce exposure to critical-mineral shortages. RKLB stock jumped 3% on Tuesday and added another 2% in the after-hours session. Cathie Wood's ARK buys more RKLB shares. The ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX) bought 2,341 RKLB shares on Tuesday worth about $154,000. The purchase follows heavier buying earlier this month. ARK acquired 705,102 Rocket Lab shares over two days, worth about $44.4 million, across the ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK), ARK Autonomous Technology & Robotics ETF (ARKQ) and ARKX. Rocket Lab unveils germanium-free solar cell. Rocket Lab's new IMM Apex space solar cell offers 31.5% beginning-of-life conversion efficiency and 40% lower mass, providing what the company called best-in-class power per kilogram. Unlike conventional multi-junction cells, IMM Apex eliminates germanium substrates, reducing exposure to rising costs and supply constraints. It is also a mechanical and electrical drop-in replacement for legacy cells, allowing customers to adopt it without significant retooling. "With IMM Apex, customers gain access to a high-efficiency, lightweight, germanium-free product that combines proven reliability with faster production times," Rocket Lab USA President Brad Clevenger said. "IMM Apex is designed to more cost-effectively power the most ambitious missions without compromising performance," he added. Rocket Lab said the cell is available immediately, with manufacturing capacity in the multi-100-kilowatt range. The underlying tech powered NASA's Ingenuity Mars Helicopter and has operated in orbit for more than a decade. Rocket Lab's solar products currently power more than 1,100 satellites and have supported the James Webb Space Telescope and NASA's Artemis missions. Rocket Lab advances launch and defense programs. Last week, Rocket Lab completed its 94th Electron mission and 15th launch of 2026, deploying a StriX Earth-imaging satellite for Synspective. It was Rocket Lab's 11th dedicated mission for the Japanese radar-imaging company, with a 100% success rate across those flights. Another 16 Synspective missions are booked through 2030. Rocket Lab also passed the preliminary design review for 18 satellites it is building for the U.S. Space Development Agency's Tracking Layer Tranche 3 constellation, calling the milestone a "big step forward" toward delivering missile-warning and defense capabilities for the U.S. and its allies. How do retail traders feel about RKLB? On Stocktwits, retail sentiment for RKLB slipped to 'bearish' from 'neutral' levels a week ago amid a 369% jump in 24-hour message volumes. One bullish user said, "$RKLB bought 500 shares of this back in 2024 when it was at $9 and sold in the $20's and I regretted it. I repurchased 1k shares last week at $59 and ain't selling till we are at $150" View this Stocktwits post Another user said, "$RKLB $SPCX waiting for a pump in this sector. Feels soon, definitely before the end of this month" View this Stocktwits post Stay updated with all the latest Business News, including market trends, Share Market News, stock updates, taxation, IPOs, banking, finance, real estate, savings, and investments. Track daily Gold Price changes, updates on DA Hike, and the latest developments on the 8th Pay Commission. Get in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and real-time updates to make informed financial decisions. Download the Asianet News Official App from the Android Play Store and iPhone App Store to stay ahead in business. 0 Comments / 0 New
Rocket Lab has released IMM Apex, a new solar cell for space applications that eliminates reliance on germanium, a supply-constrained critical mineral used in conventional multi-junction solar cells for three decades. The cell offers 31.5% solar conversion efficiency and 40% lower mass, delivering best-in-class specific power whilst maintaining radiation hardness. IMM Apex is a drop-in replacement for existing germanium-based products, allowing integration without major retooling investments. The technology builds on Rocket Lab's IMM cells, which powered NASA's Ingenuity Mars Helicopter and have been operational on satellites for over a decade. Rocket Lab has provided solar technology to programmes including the James Webb Space Telescope and NASA's Artemis missions. More than 1,100 satellites currently orbit using Rocket Lab solar products.
Rocket Lab CFO Adam C. Spice sold 140,157 shares on 2 September 2026 for approximately $8.8 million, according to an SEC filing. The transaction followed the exercise of stock options at a strike price of $1.09 per share, which were immediately sold at a weighted average price of $62.63. Following the sale, Spice retains approximately 1.4 million shares valued at around $90.3 million, consisting of 1.2 million directly held shares and 250,000 held through a trust. The executive also maintains 2.4 million derivative securities, including vested and unvested awards. Rocket Lab shares closed at $63.10 on the transaction date, delivering a 28% one-year return. The aerospace company, which provides launch services and spacecraft manufacturing, reported trailing twelve-month revenue of $769.1 million.