Principal Electric Propulsion Engineer Verified today
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. The Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration to national security initiatives, working with NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
The Role
We're seeking a Principal Electric Propulsion Engineer for our propulsion engineering team in Long Beach, CA. You'll own system-level and component-level development of space systems propulsion and fluidic systems supporting civil, commercial, and defense customers.
What You'll Do
- Own development of new or existing propulsion products and systems, acting as technical lead
- Perform conceptual and detailed performance calculations, systems modeling, analysis, and design
- Gather, define, and manage requirements
- Lead systems engineering activities within the team
- Plan, execute, and analyze propulsion tests with full instrumentation
- Communicate with internal and external project stakeholders
- Make technical risk-based decisions on engineering challenges
- Manage project schedules, priorities, task assignment, and leadership reporting
- Mentor and coach team members on technical and professional development
- Define and maintain standards of excellence through documentation, training, and review
- Contribute to engineering process development at Rocket Lab
What You'll Bring
- 12+ years of experience in propulsion system development or equivalent high-performance field
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or related engineering discipline
- Expertise in propulsion system modeling, static and transient analysis, and model validation using software such as Amesim, EcosimPro, Simulink, or Simscape
- End-to-end development experience including requirements, detailed design, qualification, production, and acceptance testing
- Strong knowledge of Systems Engineering V methodology and risk-based decision making
- Hands-on experience with electric propulsion systems
- U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Nice to Have
- Experience with Jama requirements management software
- Python programming for data manipulation and post-processing
- Detailed mechanical design using NX or equivalent CAD software
- GD&T and engineering drawings experience
- Product Lifecycle Management software such as Teamcenter or Windchill
- National Instruments data acquisition systems
- Flight hardware testing and troubleshooting
- Master's or PhD degree
Compensation and Benefits
Base salary: $162,000 to $270,000 USD. Total compensation (base and equity): $212,000 to $350,000 USD.
Benefits include company stock as part of total compensation, Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount, medical plans (HMO, PPO, zero-cost HDHP with 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) with company match, subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers, discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on merchandise, and other employee discounts.
Working Conditions
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.