Spacecraft Propulsion Components Engineer II Verified today
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab builds rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, and expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, from interplanetary exploration to national security initiatives.
The Role
We seek a Spacecraft Propulsion Components Engineer II for our propulsion engineering team in Long Beach, CA. You will take system-level and component-level ownership of space systems propulsion and fluidic development, supporting civil, commercial, and defense customers.
What You Will Do
- Own development of new or existing propulsion products and systems, acting as technical lead through the end-to-end development process
- Perform conceptual and detailed design in CAD for propulsion system components, including performance calculations and analysis
- Review and approve drawings, 3D PMI, reports, and specifications from other engineers
- Plan and execute testing, including setup, instrumentation, data collection, and analysis
- Communicate with internal and external project stakeholders
- Make technical risk-based decisions to identify the right solution for engineering challenges
- Manage projects including schedule building, priority identification, task assignment, and status reporting 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
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
- 2+ years of 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
Desirable Qualifications
- Detailed mechanical design experience 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
- Track record of design reviews and flight hardware release approval
- Experience developing requirements and verification sets, writing test plans, and test reports
- End-to-end development experience including requirements, detailed design, qualification, production, and acceptance testing
- Python experience for data manipulation and post-processing
- Hands-on integration and testing experience, ideally with National Instruments equipment
- GD&T and engineering drawing experience
- Experience testing and troubleshooting flight hardware
- Master's or PhD in engineering
Compensation
Base salary: $100,000 to $150,000 USD. Total compensation with equity: $111,000 to $168,000 USD. Equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock price performance.
Benefits
Comprehensive package includes company stock, Employee Stock Purchase Program (15% discount), medical plans (HMO, PPO, zero-cost HDHP with HSA 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 additional employee discounts.
Requirements and Working Conditions
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work. Occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas. Background checks will be conducted prior to employment offers.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations (ITAR), employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or lawfully admitted as a refugee or asylee, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or Commerce.