Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Engineer I Verified today
About the Role
Rocket Lab's Space Systems team builds complete spacecraft, payloads, and subsystems for missions ranging from interplanetary exploration to national security. We're seeking a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Engineer to lead propulsion development efforts based in Long Beach, CA.
You will own system-level and component-level responsibility for space systems propulsion and fluidic development, acting as technical lead across the full product lifecycle.
What You'll Do
- Own development of new or existing propulsion products and systems, guiding your team through end-to-end development
- Perform conceptual and detailed performance calculations, systems modelling, analysis, and design
- Gather, define, and manage system requirements
- Lead systems engineering activities and technical direction within your team
- Plan, setup, and execute propulsion tests; analyse resulting data
- Communicate with internal and external project stakeholders
- Make technical risk-based decisions when facing engineering challenges
- Manage project schedules, prioritise tasks, direct other engineers and technicians, and report status to leadership
- Mentor and coach team members on technical and professional development
- Define and maintain engineering standards through documentation, training, and review of others' work
- Contribute to Rocket Lab engineering process development
What You'll Bring
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or related engineering discipline
- 5 or more years of propulsion system development or comparable high-performance engineering experience
- US citizenship required due to program requirements
- Expertise in propulsion system modelling, static and transient analysis, and model validation using tools such as Amesim, EcosimPro, Simulink, or Simscape
- Demonstrated experience with end-to-end development: requirements, detailed design, qualification, production, and acceptance testing
- Knowledge of Systems Engineering V processes and risk-based decision making
- Experience with propulsion systems using storable propellants, including electrical and chemical types
Nice to Have
- Demonstrated hands-on engineering skills inside or outside the workplace
- Comfortable working with high levels of ambiguity
- Ability to make decisions using engineering principles, literature, standards, risk assessments, test data, and physics-based models
- Experience identifying technical milestones, scheduling them, and managing delivery
- Experience with Jama requirements management
- Python for data manipulation and post-processing
- Detailed mechanical design in NX or equivalent CAD software
- GD&T and engineering drawings
- Product Lifecycle Management software such as Teamcenter or Windchill
- National Instruments data acquisition systems
- Testing and troubleshooting flight hardware
- Master's or PhD
Compensation and Benefits
Base salary: $115,000 to $173,000 USD
Total compensation including equity: $135,000 to $208,000 USD
You'll receive company stock as part of your compensation package. Additional benefits include an Employee Stock Purchase Program with 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, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) with company match, subsidised EV charging, onsite fitness centres, discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, and employee discounts.
Working Conditions
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Requirements
To comply with US Government space technology export regulations including ITAR, you must be a US citizen, lawful US permanent resident (Green Card holder), refugee, or have asylum status, or be eligible to obtain required authorisations from the US Department of State or Commerce.