Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer I

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is hiring a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer I for its propulsion engineering team in Long Beach, California. The engineer will plan, prepare for, and execute engine and propulsion component testing, while owning the test facility, equipment, and test operations. The role supports development, qualification, and production testing and contributes to spacecraft propulsion system development from cradle to grave, using test-driven insights to improve product reliability, manufacturability, testability, and performance. The position provides technical leadership in test methodologies and processes, supports risk-based decision-making, and applies a systems engineering approach while coordinating with internal and external stakeholders. It may require travel to test facilities and extended off-site work. Physical demands may include prolonged sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in rocket engine test engineering or an equivalent high-performance field.
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, such as aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or another 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.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with hypergolic propellants, or designing, building, or maintaining flight or ground support equipment systems for hypergolic propellant service.
Interest in establishing a new capability for Rocket Lab and the country.
Strong communication skills and the ability to lead a team executing a technical project, including understanding technical project management and systems engineering fundamentals for managing interfaces and deliverables.
Passion for engineering, strong attention to detail, and eagerness to learn.
Excellent documentation and organization of engineering information, including test plans, test reports, and facility configuration management.
Track record of investigating and resolving 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 obtaining government approvals through NEPA, permitting, or similar processes for construction, industrial, or test operations.
Capability using Python for data manipulation and post-processing.
Experience with 1D fluid system modelling.
Master’s or PhD.

Responsibilities

Set and maintain best practices for testing and ensure a high standard of excellence across the team.
Guide, train, mentor, and provide technical leadership to team members on testing methodologies and processes.
Review and sign off on test plans and test reports to ensure quality and compliance with requirements.
Support engineers and leadership with risk-based decision-making during development challenges.
Own the full testing lifecycle, including test planning, setup, instrumentation, execution, data analysis, and reporting.
Apply a systems engineering mindset to testing and integrate testing activities with broader engineering efforts.
Communicate regularly and effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Define, document, and uphold standards of excellence through training, coaching, and review of others’ work.
Plan, prepare for, and execute engine and propulsion component testing, including development, qualification, and production testing.
Own the test facility, equipment, and test operations.

Benefits

Company stock as part of total compensation.
Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock.
Medical plans, including HMO, PPO, and a zero-cost HDHP option with a company HSA contribution.
Dental and vision coverage.
Paid vacation and sick time.
11 paid holidays.
Flexible spending and dependent care accounts.
Paid parental leave.
Disability and life insurance.
401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Subsidized EV charging.
Onsite fitness centers where available.
Discounted gym memberships.
Complimentary snacks and beverages.
50% employee discount on the company merchandise store.
Other employee discounts.