Rocket Lab
Overview
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Senior / Principal Propulsion Engineer
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Rocket Lab . Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. NEUTRON
Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity! Senior / Principal Propulsion Engineer
As Senior/Principal Propulsion Engineer, you will play a critical role in the development, testing, and operation of the Archimedes Engine family, a cornerstone of the Neutron rocket program. You will take ownership of subsystems and engine operation, driving design, analysis, testing, and operational readiness. You will execute testing campaigns, analyze data, improve existing evaluation capability and refine designs for reliability and vehicle operations. This role demands technical expertise, strong autonomy, and the ability to align teams and projects to achieve program goals. Principal Engineers will additionally drive value to teams outside their group, influencing cross-functional efforts and contributing to the broader success of the Neutron program. What You’ll Get To Do Design, analyze, test, fly, and refly next generation propulsion hardware ensuring operational readiness and flight success. Develop and execute test plans, including qualification and acceptance testing, and conduct post-test data reviews to refine designs and processes. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to optimize engine performance, reliability, and manufacturability. Generate high-level plans and prioritize tasks across teams, resolving competing priorities and ensuring alignment with program goals. Mentor and guide engineers, fostering technical growth and collaboration. Work with manufacturing, testing and vehicle operation teams to support engine needs, operation, and resolve issues each part of the engine lifecycle. (This position can be hired as a Senior Propulsion Engineer I, Senior Propulsion Engineer II or Principal Propulsion Engineer) Qualifications
Senior Propulsion Engineer I Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field. 5+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations. Strong technical understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, cryogenic systems, and rocket engine architecture. Familiarity with engine P&IDs, fluid system routing, and hotfire data reviews. Senior Propulsion Engineer II Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field. 8+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations. Strong technical understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, cryogenic systems, and rocket engine architecture. Familiarity with engine P&IDs, fluid system routing, and hotfire data reviews. Principal Propulsion Engineer Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field. 12+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations. Strong technical understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, cryogenic systems, and rocket engine architecture. Familiarity with engine P&IDs, fluid system routing, and hotfire data reviews. Nice-to-have Advanced degree in a fluid mechanics-heavy field. Experience with ox-rich staged combustion systems and Methyl/LOX propellants. Background in failure analysis, combustion dynamics, turbopump mechanics, and hydraulics. Familiarity with reusable rocket engine systems and test/launch facility operations. Experience with best practices for design, qualification, and production. Additional Requirements Ability to travel to test and launch facilities (~25%). Flexibility to work extended hours or weekends as needed. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing. Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise. Base salary and benefits information provided. Base pay range (CA Only): $116,000—$225,000 USD. What To Expect
We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way. Important Information
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations. ITAR compliance information is provided. Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process can contact the recruiter. For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand, background checks and nationality eligibility apply.
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Join to apply for the
Senior / Principal Propulsion Engineer
role at
Rocket Lab . Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. NEUTRON
Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity! Senior / Principal Propulsion Engineer
As Senior/Principal Propulsion Engineer, you will play a critical role in the development, testing, and operation of the Archimedes Engine family, a cornerstone of the Neutron rocket program. You will take ownership of subsystems and engine operation, driving design, analysis, testing, and operational readiness. You will execute testing campaigns, analyze data, improve existing evaluation capability and refine designs for reliability and vehicle operations. This role demands technical expertise, strong autonomy, and the ability to align teams and projects to achieve program goals. Principal Engineers will additionally drive value to teams outside their group, influencing cross-functional efforts and contributing to the broader success of the Neutron program. What You’ll Get To Do Design, analyze, test, fly, and refly next generation propulsion hardware ensuring operational readiness and flight success. Develop and execute test plans, including qualification and acceptance testing, and conduct post-test data reviews to refine designs and processes. Collaborate across engineering disciplines to optimize engine performance, reliability, and manufacturability. Generate high-level plans and prioritize tasks across teams, resolving competing priorities and ensuring alignment with program goals. Mentor and guide engineers, fostering technical growth and collaboration. Work with manufacturing, testing and vehicle operation teams to support engine needs, operation, and resolve issues each part of the engine lifecycle. (This position can be hired as a Senior Propulsion Engineer I, Senior Propulsion Engineer II or Principal Propulsion Engineer) Qualifications
Senior Propulsion Engineer I Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field. 5+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations. Strong technical understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, cryogenic systems, and rocket engine architecture. Familiarity with engine P&IDs, fluid system routing, and hotfire data reviews. Senior Propulsion Engineer II Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field. 8+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations. Strong technical understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, cryogenic systems, and rocket engine architecture. Familiarity with engine P&IDs, fluid system routing, and hotfire data reviews. Principal Propulsion Engineer Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field. 12+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations. Strong technical understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, cryogenic systems, and rocket engine architecture. Familiarity with engine P&IDs, fluid system routing, and hotfire data reviews. Nice-to-have Advanced degree in a fluid mechanics-heavy field. Experience with ox-rich staged combustion systems and Methyl/LOX propellants. Background in failure analysis, combustion dynamics, turbopump mechanics, and hydraulics. Familiarity with reusable rocket engine systems and test/launch facility operations. Experience with best practices for design, qualification, and production. Additional Requirements Ability to travel to test and launch facilities (~25%). Flexibility to work extended hours or weekends as needed. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing. Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise. Base salary and benefits information provided. Base pay range (CA Only): $116,000—$225,000 USD. What To Expect
We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way. Important Information
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations. ITAR compliance information is provided. Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process can contact the recruiter. For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand, background checks and nationality eligibility apply.
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