Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer II Verified today

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, and expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Space Systems

Our Space Systems team builds complete spacecraft, precision payloads, and subsystems including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios. The team has enabled more than 1,700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration to national security initiatives, working with NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.

The Role

As Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer II, you will plan, prepare for, and execute engine and propulsion component testing. You own the test facility, equipment, and test operations. You will play a critical role in successful development, qualification, and production testing, and be involved with engine and propulsion system development from cradle-to-grave, providing test-driven insights that improve reliability, manufacturability, testability, and performance.

What You Will Do

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

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in rocket engine test engineering, or equivalent high-performance field
• Bachelor's degree in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or other technical engineering discipline)
• Ability to travel to test facilities and work off-site for extended periods
• 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

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 to execute a technical project 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 including test plans, test reports, and facility configuration management
• Track record of successfully investigating and resolving root causes of anomalies during testing or flight
• Strong understanding of standard aerospace testing including 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 for data manipulation and post-processing
• 1D fluid system modelling
• Master's or PhD

Compensation and Benefits

Total compensation (base and equity): $165,000 to $277,000 USD

Base salary: $132,000 to $220,000 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 company stock as part of total compensation, 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, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, 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, 50% employee discount on merchandise, and other employee discounts.

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.

Employment Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), lawfully admitted 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.