Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Engineer II - 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 division has enabled over 1,700 missions including interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing, and national security initiatives. We work with NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
The Role
As a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Engineer II, you will own system-level and component-level development of space systems propulsion and fluidic solutions. You will act as technical lead guiding teams through the complete development lifecycle for civil, commercial, and defense programs.
What You'll Do
- Own development of new or existing propulsion products and systems as technical lead
- Perform conceptual and detailed performance calculations, systems modelling, analysis, and design
- Gather, define, and manage requirements
- Lead systems engineering activities within the team
- Plan and execute tests including instrumentation setup, data collection, and analysis
- Communicate with internal and external project stakeholders
- Make technical risk-based decisions to solve engineering challenges
- Manage project schedules, prioritise work, task team members, and report status to leadership
- Mentor and coach team members on technical and professional development
- Establish and maintain excellence standards through documentation, training, and review of work
- Contribute to engineering process development and documentation
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or other technical engineering discipline
- 8 or more years of experience in propulsion system development or other high-performance field
- Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
- US citizenship required due to program requirements
- Expertise in propulsion system modelling, static and transient analysis, and model validation using software such as Amesim, EcosimPro, Simulink, or Simscape
- Experience with end-to-end development including requirements gathering, detailed design, qualification, production, and acceptance testing
- Knowledge of Systems Engineering V process and risk-based decision making
- Experience with storable propellant systems including electrical and chemical propulsion
Nice to Have
- Master's or PhD
- Experience with Jama requirements management software
- Python skills for data manipulation and post-processing
- Mechanical design experience using NX or equivalent CAD software
- GD&T and engineering drawing knowledge
- Product Lifecycle Management software experience such as Teamcenter or Windchill
- National Instruments data acquisition systems experience
- Flight hardware testing and troubleshooting experience
Compensation and Benefits
Base salary range: $132,000 to $220,000 USD. Total compensation including equity: $165,000 to $277,000 USD. Salary based on function, level, experience, and other factors.
Benefits include company stock and Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount, medical plans (HMO, PPO, zero-cost HDHP with HSA contribution), dental and vision, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) with company match, subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers where available, gym discounts, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee merchandise discount, and additional 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.
Required Clearance and Citizenship
Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility required. US citizenship required to comply with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) governing export of US space technology.