Senior Propulsion and Fluids Test Engineer Verified today
About the role
At Rocket Lab, the systems you work on don't sit on a shelf - they launch, operate in orbit, and support real missions. From deep space exploration to Earth observation, the work here has weight.
If you've designed a test rig, built it with your own hands, and seen it through to operation, we want to hear from you.
We're hiring a Senior Propulsion and Fluids Test Engineer to join our Space Systems team in Auckland.
What you'll do
- Own propulsion components and fluid systems from concept through qualification to production
- Design, build, and operate test setups to validate hardware performance
- Plan and execute test campaigns, including instrumentation, data collection, and analysis
- Troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues that emerge during development and testing
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop new systems and improve existing designs
- Navigate technical challenges across development, qualification, and production phases
- Review and approve test plans and reports to maintain engineering standards
- Guide risk-based decision-making for propulsion and fluid systems
- Mentor and support other engineers in technical development and best practices
- Maintain systems-level perspective while managing component-level details
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders across the organisation to ensure alignment and mission success
What we're looking for
- A degree in Mechatronic Engineering
- Proven experience developing and testing propulsion, fluid, or other high-performance hardware
- Strong hands-on background with instrumentation, data acquisition, and test execution
- Experience working across the full development lifecycle, from requirements through to production
- Confidence operating in ambiguity and making sound, first-principles engineering decisions
- Experience with LabVIEW (or similar) and data analysis tools
Nice to have
- Background in aerospace testing (vibration, thermal, vacuum, leak, or life testing)
- Python for data analysis or modelling experience
- Advanced degree (Masters or PhD)
Before applying
For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).
You may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.