Spacecraft Propulsion Components Engineer I Verified today
About the role
Rocket Lab Space Systems is seeking a Spacecraft Propulsion Components Engineer I for our propulsion engineering team in Long Beach, CA. You will take system-level and component-level ownership of propulsion and fluidic development, supporting civil, commercial, and defense space missions.
What you'll do
- Own development of new or existing propulsion products and systems as technical lead through end-to-end development
- Perform conceptual and detailed design of propulsion components in CAD, with performance calculations and analysis
- Review and approve drawings, 3D PMI, reports, and specifications from other team members
- Plan, set up, instrument, execute tests and analyze data
- Communicate with internal and external project stakeholders
- Make technical risk-based decisions on engineering challenges
- Manage project schedules, prioritize work, task engineers and technicians, and report status to leadership
- Mentor and coach team members on technical and professional development
- Define and maintain standards of excellence through documentation, training, and review of others' work
- Contribute to Rocket Lab engineering process development and documentation
What you'll bring
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- Experience in propulsion system development or other high-performance field
- US citizenship (required due to program requirements)
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Nice to have
- Detailed mechanical design using NX or equivalent CAD software and Product Lifecycle Management software such as Teamcenter or Windchill
- Experience with storable propellants including electrical and chemical propulsion systems
- Design review and flight hardware release experience with qualification reports
- End-to-end development experience: requirements, detailed design, qualification, production, acceptance testing
- Requirements development and verification, test planning, test execution and reporting
- Python for data manipulation and post-processing
- Hands-on integration and testing experience with National Instruments equipment
- GD&T and engineering drawings experience
- Flight hardware testing and troubleshooting experience
- Master's or PhD in engineering
- Demonstrated hands-on engineering skills inside or outside the workplace
Compensation
Base salary: $82,000 to $123,000 USD. Total compensation (base and equity): $89,000 to $125,000 USD.
Equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.
Benefits
Industry-leading 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 where available, discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on merch, and various other employee discounts.
Requirements
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.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including ITAR, employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident with a current Green Card, lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or Department of Commerce.