Rocket Lab
Senior / Principle Engine Systems Engineer
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. 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! As Senior/Principle Engine Systems 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 Engine Systems Engineer I, Senior Engine Systems Engineer II or Principle Engine Systems Engineer Level. You'll Bring These Qualifications As A Senior Engine Systems 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. You'll Bring These Qualifications As A Senior Engine Systems 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. You'll Bring These Qualifications As A Principle Engine Systems 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. These Qualifications Would Be 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.
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. 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! As Senior/Principle Engine Systems 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 Engine Systems Engineer I, Senior Engine Systems Engineer II or Principle Engine Systems Engineer Level. You'll Bring These Qualifications As A Senior Engine Systems 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. You'll Bring These Qualifications As A Senior Engine Systems 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. You'll Bring These Qualifications As A Principle Engine Systems 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. These Qualifications Would Be 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.