Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer I
About The Position
Rocket Lab is hiring a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer I for its propulsion engineering team in Long Beach, California. The role plans, prepares for, and executes engine and propulsion-component testing, with ownership of the test facility, equipment, and operations. The engineer supports development, qualification, and production testing, contributing test-driven insights across propulsion system development from cradle to grave to improve product reliability, manufacturability, testability, and performance. The position establishes testing best practices and standards, provides technical leadership and mentorship, reviews and approves test plans and reports, and supports risk-based engineering decisions. It owns the full testing lifecycle, from planning and setup through instrumentation, execution, data analysis, and reporting, while applying systems engineering principles and communicating with internal and external stakeholders. The role may involve prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, as well as occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Travel to test facilities and extended off-site work are required. U.S. office candidates must meet applicable U.S. space technology export-control eligibility requirements.
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 experience with engine test facilities and hot-fire testing of liquid rocket engines, including instrumentation, test operation, and data analysis.
- Expertise in instrumentation, automation, and data acquisition using National Instruments or Beckhoff PLC.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with hypergolic propellants, or designing, building, or maintaining flight or ground support equipment (GSE) systems for hypergolic propellant service.
- Interest in establishing a new capability for Rocket Lab and the country.
- Strong communication skills and ability to lead a technical project, including understanding technical project management and systems engineering fundamentals to manage interfaces and deliverables across teams.
- Passion for engineering, 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 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.
- Python capabilities for data manipulation and post-processing.
- Experience with 1D fluid system modelling.
- Master’s or PhD.
Responsibilities
- Set and maintain best practices for all aspects of testing.
- 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 to ensure quality and compliance with requirements.
- Support engineers and leadership with risk-based decision making during development challenges.
- Own the testing lifecycle, including test planning, setup, instrumentation, execution, data analysis, and reporting.
- Apply a systems engineering mindset to testing activities and integrate with broader engineering efforts.
- Communicate 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.
- 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 significant company HSA contribution.
- Dental coverage.
- Vision coverage.
- Paid vacation and sick time.
- 11 paid holidays.
- Flexible spending and dependent care accounts.
- Paid parental leave.
- Disability insurance.
- 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 merch store.
- Other employee discounts.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
