Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer I

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR SPACECRAFT PROPULSION TEST ENGINEER I

As a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer I on our propulsion engineering team based out of Long Beach, CA, your purpose will be to plan, prepare for, and execute engine and propulsion component testing. This includes ownership of the test facility, equipment, and test operations. You will play a critical role in successful development, qualification, and production testing, which directly results in the success of our missions and products. As part of the propulsion development team, you will be involved with engine and propulsion system development from cradle-to-grave, providing test-driven insights that improve the reliability, manufacturability, testability, and performance of our products.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Set and maintain best practices for all aspects of testing, ensuring a high standard of excellence across the team
• Provide guidance, training, mentorship, and technical leadership to team members on testing methodologies and processes
• Review and sign off on test plans and test reports, ensuring quality and compliance with requirements
• Support engineers and leadership with risk-based decision making to guide the team through development challenges
• Own the full testing lifecycle, including test planning, setup, instrumentation, execution, data analysis, and reporting
• Apply a systems engineering mindset to testing activities, integrating with broader engineering efforts
• Communicate regularly and effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, both internal and external to the team
• Define, document, and uphold standards of excellence through training, coaching, and review of others’ work
• Contribute to meaningful, career-defining projects alongside exceptional colleagues in a collaborative environment

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of experience in rocket engine test engineering, or equivalent high-performance field
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or other technical engineering discipline)
• Ability to travel to test facilities and work off-site for extended periods
• Prior work on engine test facilities and experience hot fire testing liquid rocket engines, including instrumentation, test operation, and data analysis
• Expertise in instrumentation, automation, and data acquisition using either National Instruments or Beckhoff PLC

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience working with hypergolic propellants, or experience designing, building, or maintaining flight or GSE systems for hypergolic propellant service
• Excited by the opportunity to establish a new capability for Rocket Lab and the country
• Great communication skills and the ability to lead a team to execute a technical project. This requires an understanding of the fundamentals of technical project management and systems engineering to manage interfaces and deliverables across all teams involved
• Genuine passion for engineering, strong attention to detail, and an eagerness to learn
• Excellent documentation and organization of engineering information, including test plans, test reports, facility configuration management, etc.
• Track record of successfully investigating and resolving the root causes of anomalies during testing or flight
• Strong understanding of standard aerospace testing including random vibration, shock, thermal cycle, thermal vacuum, helium leak, accelerated life, and margined performance testing
• Experience with getting government approvals through NEPA, permitting, or similar processes for construction, industrial, or test operations
• Capabilities using Python for data manipulation and post-processing
• Experience with 1D fluid system modelling
• Master's or PhD

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.

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant 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 our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$135,000—$208,000 USD

Base Salary

$115,000—$173,000 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, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.