Spacecraft Propulsion Components Engineer I 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 and defense. We have built spacecraft and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
The Role
As a Spacecraft Propulsion Components Engineer I based in Long Beach, CA, you will hold system-level and component-level ownership of space systems propulsion and fluidic development. You will support our Space Systems division and lead cutting-edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers.
What You Will Do
- Own development of new or existing products or systems, acting as technical lead to guide the team through the end-to-end development process
- Conduct conceptual and detailed designs in CAD for propulsion system components, and perform performance calculations and analysis
- Review and approve drawings, 3D PMI, reports, and specifications from other engineers
- Plan and execute tests, set up instrumentation, and analyze data
- Communicate with project stakeholders internal and external to the team
- Make technical risk-based decisions to identify the right solution when faced with engineering challenges
- Manage project schedules, identify priority items, task engineers and technicians, and communicate 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 engineering process development and documentation at Rocket Lab
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- Experience in propulsion system development or other high-performance field
- US citizenship is required due to program requirements
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Preferred Qualifications
- Detailed mechanical design experience using NX (preferred) or equivalent CAD software
- Experience with Product Lifecycle Management software such as Teamcenter (preferred), Windchill, or similar
- Experience developing and working with storable propellants such as electrical and chemical propulsion systems
- Track record of design reviews and approving release of flight parts and qualification reports
- Experience with end-to-end development including requirements gathering, detailed design, qualification, production, and acceptance testing
- Experience developing requirement and verification sets, writing test plans, and conducting testing
- Capability using Python for data manipulation and post-processing
- Hands-on integration and testing experience using NI equipment and software
- Experience with GD&T and engineering drawings
- Experience using National Instruments data acquisition systems
- Experience testing and troubleshooting flight hardware
- Master's or PhD in engineering
Compensation and Benefits
Base pay range (CA only): $82,400 to $113,300 USD. Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
You will receive company stock as part of your total compensation package. Benefits include an industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount on company stock, top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and 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, 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 merch store, and various 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.
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including ITAR, employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), or 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.