Senior / Principal Propulsion Engineer

Rocket Lab Corporation•Long Beach, CA

3d•$116,000 - $270,000

About The Position

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 rocket has 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. Rocket Lab’s Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron’s structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron’s launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time. 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
5+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations. (For Senior Propulsion Engineer I)
8+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations. (For Senior Propulsion Engineer II)
12+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations. (For Principal Propulsion Engineer)
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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.