Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Engineer I Verified today
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions for civil, commercial and defense customers including NASA, the Space Development Agency and the U.S. Space Force.
The Role
We're seeking a Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Engineer I for our propulsion engineering team in Long Beach, CA. You'll own system-level and component-level propulsion and fluidic development, acting as technical lead through end-to-end development.
What You'll Do
- Own development of new or existing propulsion products or systems as technical lead
- Perform conceptual and detailed design in CAD for propulsion components, with performance calculations and analysis
- Review and approve drawings, 3D PMI, reports and specifications
- Plan and execute tests, including instrumentation and data analysis
- Communicate with project stakeholders internally and externally
- Make technical risk-based decisions on engineering challenges
- Manage project schedules, priorities, task assignment and leadership reporting
- Mentor and coach team members on technical and professional development
- Contribute to engineering process development and documentation
Your Qualifications
- 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
- Product Lifecycle Management software experience (Teamcenter or Windchill preferred)
- Experience with storable propellants including electrical and chemical
- Design review and flight hardware approval experience
- End-to-end development experience from requirements through production and acceptance testing
- Python for data manipulation and post-processing
- Hands-on integration and testing experience with NI equipment
- GD&T and engineering drawings experience
- National Instruments data acquisition systems
- Flight hardware testing and troubleshooting
- Master's or PhD in engineering
Compensation and Benefits
Base pay range (CA only): $82,400 to $113,300 USD. You'll receive company stock as part of total compensation, an industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (15% discount), top-tier 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 various other employee discounts.
Work Environment
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.