Senior Combustion Devices Engineer II Principal Combustion Devices Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets spacecraft and critical subsystems that keep the world connected protected expand humanitys reach to the Moon Mars and beyond. We move fast build real hardware for meaningful missions and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium-lift launch vehicle being developed by Rocket Lab a publicly traded end-to-end space company. The rocket can deliver the mega constellations of tomorrow enable interplanetary payloads and support human spaceflight. As a reusable platform Neutron will deliver a very cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Labs proven history with Electron the third most launched rocket worldwide in 2024. If youre interested in joining an incredible team in a fast-paced and rewarding environment this is your opportunity.

SENIOR COMBUSTION DEVICES ENGINEER II / PRINCIPAL COMBUSTION DEVICES ENGINEER

Based out of Rocket Labs headquarters in Long Beach CA the Principal/Senior Combustion Devices Engineer will be responsible for the development of one or more combustion devices (preburners main injectors thrust chambers assemblies and vacuum nozzles). These devices are an integral portion of the 200000 lbf Archimedes engine which operates in a demanding but efficient ox-rich staged combustion architecture.

In this role youll take ownership of all aspects of a component: design and analysis manufacturing and test support and successful flights and subsequent high-cadence re-flights. By doing so you will help propel the Neutron rocket expanding human capabilities in space and providing value to the company and its shareholders.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Design analyze and perform trades studies to achieve programmatic targets.
• Define requirements test and flight qualification plans.
• Work with the interface owners like turbomachinery and engine systems teams to make a high-end product that could be iterated fast and seamlessly.
• Work with manufacturing and build engineers to design easily manufacturable cost-effective beautiful parts.
• Work with the test and launch teams to interpret data and provide solutions to enable a high cadence of tests flights and re-flights.

(This position can be hired as a Senior Combustion Devices Engineer II or Principal Combustion Devices Engineer Level)

SENIOR COMBUSTION DEVICES ENGINEER II YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in an engineering discipline or equivalent
• 8 years of combustion device design experience
• In-depth knowledge of combustion and fluid dynamics heat transfer and structural mechanics.
• Fundamental understanding of design principals and manufacturing methods.

PRINCIPAL COMBUSTION DEVICES ENGINEER YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in an engineering discipline or equivalent
• 12 years of combustion device design experience
• In-depth knowledge of combustion and fluid dynamics heat transfer and structural mechanics.
• Fundamental understanding of design principals and manufacturing methods.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Masters or a PhD.
• Advanced proficiency in NX ANSYS Mechanical StarCCM MATLAB andGD&T.
• Proficiency in niche software like: TDK ROCCID PERCORP CEA ROCETS.
• Reacting flow CFD.
• Expertise in high-speed data/video analysis in time and frequency domains.
• Experience with designing reusable propulsively landing rocket engines.
• Experience in an iterative and scrappy development environment.

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.