Senior Propulsion Components 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 to 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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

The Space Systems Propulsion team is responsible for developing and delivering qualified flight-ready space vehicle propulsion systems. The team takes oncradle-to-grave ownership of systemsandcomponents. From mission requirement through detailed designqualificationintegrationandon orbit operation. Examples of past work include the Curie and HyperCurie engines and the ESCAPADE Winnebagoand Victus Hazespacecraft propulsion systems. Currently the team is working ondeveloping new products for both Electric Propulsion(Gauss) andchemical propulsion.

The team consists of development engineers and development technicians with a range of experience and skillsetsspanningsystems engineering design build test and operations.The common thread across all members of the team isend-to-end ownership andthe ability to work hands-on withdevelopment qualification and flight hardware. Team members interface regularly with stakeholders across the company including GNC Manufacturing Engineering Production Flight Software Thermal Structures and others.

SENIOR PROPULSION COMPONENTS DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER

The Senior Development Engineer position at Rocket Labs Space Systems Propulsion team focuses on leading the end-to-end development of fluid system components for spacecraft propulsion systems from initial concept through flight operation. The role combines technical leadership responsibilitiesincluding CAD design testing and mentoringwith project management duties such as stakeholder communication and schedule management.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Owning development of new or existing products or systems acting as technicalleadto guide team through end-to-end development process.
• Conceptual and detailed designs in CAD for propulsion system components as well as calculations analysis and system designs.
• Prototyping and development testing your designsas well assupportingprocurement and production of hardware for development and production.Your work will be on flight hardware and the tooling and test rigs required to develop and qualify them.
• Reviewand approval of othersdrawings3D PMI reports andspecifications.
• General systems engineering tasks including requirements gathering and definitionas well ascommunicating with internal and external project stakeholders
• Project management including schedule building and maintenance identifying riskand priority andproviding tasking to others on the project
• Mentorship and coaching of people within the team on technical and professional

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• A genuinepassion for engineering curious mindset and willingness to learn.
• An engineering degree and 5 years of experience in propulsion development or equivalent high-performance field.
• Background working with fluid systemcomponents such asvalves and regulators.
• Experience with end-to-end development process including gathering requirements detailed design qualification production and acceptance testing.
• Detailed mechanical design experience using NX (preferred) or equivalent industry standard CAD software and PLM such as Teamcenter.
• Hands on engineering skills inside or outside the workplace.
• Desire to take accountability for design reviews and approving release of production parts.
• Comfortable working with high levels of ambiguity; makingdecisions using basic engineering principles availableinformationandrisk.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Project leadership experience;identifying the necessary steps to achieve high level technical goals scheduling them in a plan and managing delivery against that plan.
• Test engineering experience such as writing test plansinstrumentationperforming testingtest data analysisand writing test reports.
• Capabilities using Python for data manipulation and post-processing.
• Mastersor Doctorate Degree

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.

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 here ITAR Regulations.