Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer I 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 including interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing, and national security initiatives, partnering with NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.

The Role

As a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer I in Long Beach, CA, you will plan, prepare for, and execute engine and propulsion component testing. You will own the test facility, equipment, and test operations, playing a critical role in development, qualification, and production testing. You will work across the full propulsion system lifecycle, providing test-driven insights that improve reliability, manufacturability, testability, and performance.

What You'll Do

• Set and maintain best practices for all testing aspects, ensuring high standards of excellence across the team
• Provide guidance, training, mentorship, and technical leadership on testing methodologies and processes
• Review and sign off on test plans and test reports, ensuring quality and compliance
• Support engineers and leadership with risk-based decision making on development challenges
• Own the full testing lifecycle: planning, setup, instrumentation, execution, data analysis, and reporting
• Apply systems engineering mindset to testing activities, integrating with broader engineering efforts
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• Define, document, and uphold standards of excellence through training and review of others' work

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in rocket engine test engineering or equivalent high-performance field
• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or other technical engineering discipline
• Prior work on engine test facilities and experience hot fire testing liquid rocket engines, including instrumentation, test operation, and data analysis
• Expertise in instrumentation, automation, and data acquisition using National Instruments or Beckhoff PLC
• Ability to travel to test facilities and work off-site for extended periods

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with hypergolic propellants, or designing, building, or maintaining flight or GSE systems for hypergolic propellant service
• Great communication skills and ability to lead a team on technical projects, with understanding of technical project management and systems engineering
• Genuine passion for engineering, strong attention to detail, and eagerness to learn
• Excellent documentation and organization of engineering information: test plans, test reports, facility configuration management
• Track record of successfully investigating and resolving root causes of anomalies during testing or flight
• Strong understanding of standard aerospace testing: random vibration, shock, thermal cycle, thermal vacuum, helium leak, accelerated life, and margined performance testing
• Experience with government approvals through NEPA, permitting, or similar processes for construction, industrial, or test operations
• Python capabilities for data manipulation and post-processing
• Experience with 1D fluid system modelling
• Master's or PhD

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary: $115,000 to $173,000 USD. Total compensation (base and equity): $135,000 to $208,000 USD. Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Benefits include: industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (15% discount), top-tier 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) with company match. Additional perks: subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers, discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on merchandise store.

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.

Export Control and Eligibility

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