Senior Propulsion Engineer II Verified today

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. We move fast and build real hardware for meaningful missions.

Neutron Program

Rocket Lab's Neutron team is developing a new large rocket and its launch and test sites. You'll join a team responsible for designing, testing, and operating Neutron's structures, components, Archimedes engines, launch pads, and test facilities.

The Role

As Senior Propulsion Engineer II, you will take ownership of the Archimedes Engine family development, testing, and operation. You will drive design, analysis, testing, and operational readiness across the propulsion subsystem. This role demands technical expertise, strong autonomy, and the ability to align teams and projects to achieve program goals.

What You'll 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 program 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 throughout the engine lifecycle.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
• 8+ 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: $132,000 to $220,000 USD. Total compensation including equity: $164,500 to $277,275 USD.

Benefits include company stock as part of your compensation package, 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 centers, discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, and employee discounts.

Working Conditions

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.

US Person Requirement

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce.