Senior Propulsion Automation & Test Systems Engineer Verified today
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine.
The Role
As a Senior Propulsion Engineer for Automation and Test Systems at the Propulsion Test Complex (PTC) in Waikato, you will be the primary on-site expert for propulsion test stand automation and control systems. You will troubleshoot live test systems, design and commission automated control upgrades, and ensure safe, reliable, and efficient propulsion testing. You'll work independently at the remote facility as the subject matter expert for complex automated systems, collaborating with remote engineering teams and Ground Systems Engineering.
What You'll Do
- Act as the primary on-site expert for propulsion test stand automation and control systems at PTC
- Provide day-to-day troubleshooting and operational support for live propulsion test infrastructure
- Design, commission, and implement upgrades to test systems and automation architecture
- Develop and maintain test sequences, data acquisition, and control systems using National Instruments platforms
- Integrate PLC, software, and hardware systems to improve reliability and test throughput
- Work closely with remote engineering teams and Ground Systems Engineering to resolve complex issues
- Identify bottlenecks in test operations and implement continuous improvement solutions
- Support integration of test systems with enterprise tools, logging systems, and data pipelines
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Software, Electrical, Mechatronics, or equivalent hands-on discipline)
- Strong experience with National Instruments systems (LabVIEW, test sequencing, troubleshooting)
- Experience with industrial automation systems, including PLC-based control systems (e.g. Beckhoff or similar)
- Proficiency in at least one programming language (Python, C, or C#) and familiarity with engineering toolchains
- Hands-on experience with instrumentation, sensors, and electromechanical systems in industrial environments
- Proven ability to independently troubleshoot and resolve complex systems issues in live operations
Nice to Have
- Experience in fluid systems or fluid-powered test environments
- Background in manufacturing automation or production line commissioning
- Experience with SQL, data acquisition systems, or industrial data pipelines
- Familiarity with TestStand, FlexLogger, or other National Instruments ecosystem tools
- Experience integrating operational systems with ERP/EIS platforms
- Exposure to high-reliability or safety-critical test environments
- Experience working in remote or autonomous engineering site environments
Important Information
For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to employment offers. You must 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.