Senior / Principal Propulsion Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services complete spacecraft design and manufacturing payloads satellite components and more all with the goal of opening access space. 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 rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit all while we work to develop Neutron our upcoming medium-lift reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites payloads and their components including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow high assurance payloads and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Labs proven execution history with the Electron program. If youre interested in joining a high performing team pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle this is your opportunity!

SENIOR / PRINCIPAL PROPULSION ENIGNEER

As Senior/Principal Propulsion Engineer you will play a critical role in the development testing and operation of the Archimedes Engine family a cornerstone of the Neutron rocket program. You will take ownership of subsystems and engine operation driving design analysis testing and operational readiness. You will execute testing campaigns analyze data improve existing evaluation capability and refine designs for reliability and vehicle operations.

This role demands technical expertise strong autonomy and the ability to align teams and projects to achieve program goals. Principal Engineers will additionally drive value to teams outside their group influencing cross-functional efforts and contributing to the broader success of the Neutron program.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Design analyze test fly and refly next generation propulsion hardware ensuring operational readiness and flight success.
• Develop and execute test plans including qualification and acceptance testing and conduct post-test data reviews to refine designs and processes.
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines to optimize engine performance reliability and manufacturability.
• Generate high-level plans and prioritize tasks across teams resolving competing priorities and ensuring alignment with program goals.
• Mentor and guide engineers fostering technical growth and collaboration.
• Work with manufacturing testing and vehicle operation teams to support engine needs operation and resolve issues each part of the engine lifecycle.

(This position can be hired as a Senior Propulsion Engineer I Senior Propulsion Engineer II or Principal Propulsion Level)

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR PROPULSION ENGINEER I:

• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering aerospace engineering or related field.
• 5 years of experience in rocket engine development testing or operations.
• Strong technical understanding of fluid dynamics thermodynamics cryogenic systems and rocket engine architecture.
• Familiarity with engine P&IDs fluid system routing and hotfire data reviews.

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR PROPULSION ENGINEER II:

• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering aerospace engineering or related field.
• 8 years of experience in rocket engine development testing or operations.
• Strong technical understanding of fluid dynamics thermodynamics cryogenic systems and rocket engine architecture.
• Familiarity with engine P&IDs fluid system routing and hotfire data reviews.

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A PRINCIPAL PROPULSION ENGINEER:

• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering aerospace engineering or related field.
• 12 years of experience in rocket engine development testing or operations.
• Strong technical understanding of fluid dynamics thermodynamics cryogenic systems and rocket engine architecture.
• Familiarity with engine P&IDs fluid system routing and hotfire data reviews.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Advanced degree in a fluid mechanics-heavy field.
• Experience with ox-rich staged combustion systems and Methyl/LOX propellants.
• Background in failure analysis combustion dynamics turbopump mechanics and hydraulics.
• Familiarity with reusable rocket engine systems and test/launch facility operations.
• Experience with best practices for design qualification and production.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel to test and launch facilities (25%).
• Flexibility to work extended hours or weekends as needed.
• 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.
• Occasional exposure to dust fumes and moderate levels of noise.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 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 hereITAR Regulations.