Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Engineer I - Secret Clearance Verified today
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions for NASA, the Space Development Agency, U.S. Space Force, and commercial partners, with spacecraft and components deployed to the Moon and Mars.
The Role
We're seeking a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Engineer I to lead propulsion engineering for our Space Systems division based in Long Beach, CA. You will own system-level and component-level development of space systems propulsion and fluidic systems, leading cutting-edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers.
What You'll Do
- Own development of new or existing propulsion products and systems, acting as technical lead through end-to-end development
- Perform conceptual and detailed performance calculations, systems modeling, analysis, and design
- Gather, define, and manage requirements
- Lead systems engineering activities and drive excellence within your team
- Plan and execute testing, including setup, instrumentation, and data analysis
- Communicate with internal and external project stakeholders
- Make technical risk-based decisions to solve engineering challenges
- Manage project schedules, prioritization, task assignment, and status reporting
- Mentor and coach team members on technical and professional development
- Contribute to engineering process documentation and standards at Rocket Lab
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, or other technical discipline
- 5 or more years of experience in propulsion system development or other high-performance field
- Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
- U.S. citizenship (required by program)
- Expertise in propulsion system modeling, static and transient analysis, and model validation using software such as Amesim, EcosimPro, Simulink, or Simscape
- Experience with end-to-end development including requirements, detailed design, qualification, production, and acceptance testing
- Knowledge of all steps in the Systems Engineering V and risk-based decision making
- Experience with propulsion systems using storable propellants, including electrical and chemical systems
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's or PhD in engineering discipline
- Hands-on engineering skills demonstrated inside or outside the workplace
- Proficiency with Jama requirements management software
- Python experience for data manipulation and post-processing
- Mechanical design experience using NX or equivalent CAD software
- GD&T and engineering drawing experience
- Product Lifecycle Management software experience (Teamcenter, Windchill, or similar)
- National Instruments data acquisition systems experience
- Flight hardware testing and troubleshooting experience
Compensation and Benefits
Base pay range for CA: $115,200 to $158,400 USD, determined on a case-by-case basis based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
Total compensation includes company stock ownership. Benefits include an Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount, medical plans (HMO, PPO, zero-cost HDHP with HSA match), dental and vision, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, 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, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.
Eligibility
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident with current Green Card, admitted as a refugee, granted asylum, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or Department of Commerce.