Senior Propulsion Test Engineer III

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

At Rocket Lab were not just launching rockets were building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space like solar panels flight software star trackers optical systems separation systems radios and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft payloads and components for missions to the Moon and Mars working with partners including NASA the Space Development Agency and the U.S. Space Force. Whether its a single high-performance spacecraft constellation or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR PROPULSION TEST ENGINEER I/II

As a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer I/II for our propulsion engineering team based out of Long Beach CA. your purpose will be to plan prepare for and execute engine and propulsion component testing. This includes ownership of the test facility equipment and test operations. You will play a critical role in successful development qualification and production testing which directly results in the success of our missions and products. As part of the propulsion development team you will be involved with engine and propulsion system development from cradle-to-grave providing test-driven insights that improve the reliability manufacturability testability and performance of our products.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Propulsion Test Engineer I or Senior Propulsion Test Engineer II level)

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Set and maintain best practices for all aspects of testing ensuring a high standard of excellence across the team.
• Provide guidance training mentorship and technical leadership to team members on testing methodologies and processes.
• Review and sign off on test plans and test reports ensuring quality and compliance with requirements.
• Support engineers and leadership with risk-based decision making to guide the team through development challenges.
• Own the full testing lifecycle including test planning setup instrumentation execution data analysis and reporting.
• Apply a systems engineering mindset to testing activities integrating with broader engineering efforts.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with a wide range of stakeholders both internal and external to the team.
• Define document and uphold standards of excellence through training coaching and review of others work.
• Contribute to meaningful career-defining projects alongside exceptional colleagues in a collaborative environment.

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS SENIOR PROPULSION TEST ENGINEER I:

• 5 years of experience in rocket engine test engineering or equivalent high-performance field
• Bachelors degree in engineering (aerospace mechanical mechatronics or other technical engineering discipline).
• Ability to travel to test facilities and work off-site for extended periods.
• Prior work on engine test facilities and experience hot fire testing liquid rocket engines including instrumentation test operation and data analysis
• Expertise in instrumentation automation and data acquisition using either National Instruments or Beckhoff PLC

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS SENIOR PROPULSION TEST ENGINEER II:

• 8 years of experience in rocket engine test engineering or equivalent high-performance field
• Bachelors degree in engineering (aerospace mechanical mechatronics or other technical engineering discipline)
• Ability to travel to test facilities and work off-site for extended periods.
• Prior work on engine test facilities and experience hot fire testing liquid rocket engines including instrumentation test operation and data analysis
• Expertise in instrumentation automation and data acquisition using either National Instruments or Beckhoff PLC

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience working with hypergolic propellants or experience designing building or maintaining flight or GSE systems for hypergolic propellant service
• Excited by the opportunity to establish a new capability for Rocket Lab and the country.
• Great communication skills and the ability to lead a team to execute a technical project. This requires an understanding of the fundamentals of technical project management and systems engineering to manage interfaces and deliverables across all teams involved.
• Genuine passion for engineering strong attention to detail and an eagerness to learn.
• Excellent documentation and organization of engineering information including test plans test reports facility configuration management etc.
• Track record of successfully investigating and resolving the root causes of anomalies during testing or flight
• Strong understanding of standard aerospace testing including random vibration shock thermal cycle thermal vacuum helium leak accelerated life and margined performance testing
• Experience with getting government approvals through NEPA permitting or similar processes for construction industrial or test operations
• Capabilities using Python for data manipulation and post-processing
• Experience with 1D fluid system modelling
• Masters or PhD

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.