Principal Propulsion Engineer Verified today
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, and expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
The Neutron Programme
The Neutron team is responsible for bringing Rocket Lab's new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. You will contribute to designing and testing Neutron's structures and components, firing its new Archimedes engines, and setting up Neutron's launch pads and test sites across the United States.
Principal Propulsion Engineer
As 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 programme. 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 programme goals. You will drive value to teams outside your group, influencing cross-functional efforts and contributing to the broader success of the Neutron programme.
What You Will Do
- 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 programme 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 across each part of the engine lifecycle.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
- 12 or more years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations.
- 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.
Preferred Qualifications
- 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.
Compensation and Benefits
Base salary: $162,000 to $270,000 USD. Total compensation including equity: $211,725 to $350,638 USD.
Benefits include company stock, Employee Stock Purchase Program (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 centres, discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on merchandise store, and various employee discounts.
Working Conditions
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work. Occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Eligibility
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or Department of Commerce.