Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer II
About The Position
Rocket Lab is hiring a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer II for its propulsion engineering team based in Long Beach, California. The role plans, prepares for, and executes engine and propulsion component testing, and owns the test facility, equipment, and test operations. The engineer supports development, qualification, and production testing and contributes test-driven insights throughout engine and propulsion system development to improve product reliability, manufacturability, testability, and performance. The position includes technical leadership in test methods and processes, review and approval of test documentation, and risk-based support for engineers and leadership. The engineer owns the testing lifecycle from planning and setup through instrumentation, execution, analysis, and reporting, while applying a systems engineering approach and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders. Travel to test facilities and extended periods working off-site may be required.
Requirements
- At least 8 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 ability to lead a team executing a technical project, with an understanding of technical project management and systems engineering for managing interfaces and deliverables across teams.
- Passion for engineering, strong attention to detail, and eagerness to learn.
- Excellent engineering documentation and organization, including test plans, test reports, and facility configuration management.
- Track record of investigating and resolving root causes of testing or flight anomalies.
- 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 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 testing 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.
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 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
