Lead, Propulsion Test Engineer

Rocket Lab Corporation•Stennis Space Center, MS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s 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 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 Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re 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! As the Lead Propulsion Test Engineer you will be responsible for leading the team and engineering work for our Archimedes engine testing and ensuring we achieve functional requirements meet our desired quality and schedule. You will have the scope to direct the team's engineering efforts across multiple disciplines in the best interest of the company to ensure Archimedes success.

Requirements

5+ years industry experience
Engineering degree
Experience from previous employment that meets engineering experience title and skills
Demonstrated skills within the rocket propulsion industry where applicable to deliver required company outcomes
Proven track record of leading a team to deliver multiple complete and successful engineering projects from conception to operation
Broad experience in propulsion testing and operations that may include one or more of the following: Structural design and analysis, Cryogenics systems design, High pressure gas systems design, High fidelity analytical modelling including dynamic fluid models

Nice To Haves

Masters or PhD in an engineering discipline
Direct experience with liquid natural gas or liquid methane as a rocket propellant
Demonstrated excellence in leading a test program from concept to completion
Background of technical expertise in sub-component to full flight system testing
Software development for data acquisition and control systems
Working knowledge of complex IT systems associated with propulsion testing

Responsibilities

Serve as the Manager of the team of engineers and technicians who run liquid rocket engine propulsion tests
Generate and execute detailed test procedures
Review and interpret test data for facility health and engine performance
Specify and procure components and propellants
Manage vendors and subcontractors
Plan and oversee facility schedule
Support requirements development in conjunction with the propulsion design team to establish needs for test sequencing
Establish requirements for new facility capability
Contribute to configuration management, quality, cost, and process control
Be an advocate for safety of the test team and the test stand operations