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 for missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions for NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force, delivering spacecraft, payloads, and components for interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing, and national security initiatives.

The Role

As a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer I based 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 successful development, qualification, and production testing. Working across the full propulsion system lifecycle, you will provide test-driven insights that improve reliability, manufacturability, testability, and performance.

What You Will Do

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

Required Qualifications

• 5 or more 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

Desirable Qualifications

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

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.

Compensation and Benefits

Base pay range for California: $115,200 to $158,400 USD. Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Compensation includes company stock as part of the total package. Benefits include an industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, zero-cost HDHP with significant 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, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers where available, discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on merchandise, and various other employee discounts.

Employment Requirements

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