Senior Propulsion Design Engineer I Verified today

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab builds rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. We develop hardware for meaningful missions across launch, test, and operations.

The Neutron Programme

Rocket Lab's Neutron team is responsible for designing and building a new large rocket and its launch and test sites. You'll help design structures, components, engines, and launch infrastructure for Neutron's first flight.

The Role

Based in Long Beach, CA, you will design engine components (combustion chambers, turbo machinery, engine layout, and more) for the Archimedes engine. You'll design, analyze, and build hardware while supporting the Neutron and Archimedes teams with deliverables to advance the programme.

What You'll Do

• Work with technical subject matter experts to design engine systems to meet performance, quality, and manufacturability requirements.
• Develop and own mechanical design solutions for propulsion systems.
• Perform trade studies and design reviews with analysts, manufacturing engineers, and subject matter experts from concept to production.
• Work with internal and external fabrication teams to bring hardware from design to production.

Your Background

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in a relevant engineering field.
• Strong foundation in heat transfer, fluids, and structural mechanics.
• Proficiency in finite element analysis using ANSYS Workbench or similar packages.
• Mastery of mechanical design principles.
• Strong understanding of design for manufacturing and GD&T principles.
• Prior experience developing and maintaining engineering design best practices.
• Prior experience developing parts, assemblies, or systems from concept to production.

Nice to Have

• High proficiency in GD&T.
• Proficiency in ANSYS Workbench.
• Proficiency in StarCCM+ or similar CFD software packages.
• Prior experience with design of additively manufactured rocket engine components.
• Experience with propulsion systems design, analysis, test, operations, and/or manufacturing.
• Experience with best practices for design, qualification, and production of aerospace hardware.
• Experience working in a fast-paced development programme.

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary: $115,200 to $172,800 USD. Total compensation (base and equity): $135,475 to $208,475 USD. Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realised value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Benefits include an Employee Stock Purchase Programme (15% discount), medical plans (HMO, PPO, zero-cost HDHP with HSA company 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, subsidised EV charging, onsite fitness centres (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on company merchandise, and other employee discounts.

Requirements

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 (current Green Card holder), lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee, granted asylum, or eligible to obtain required authorisations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.