Rocket Lab Corporation

Senior Propulsion Systems Engineer I/II

Long Beach, CA · Senior

Sponsorship not specified$132k-$176kDetected 30 days ago

PythonData AnalysisProject ManagementSystems EngineeringPLCLoad TestingLeadershipCommunicationMentoring

About the role

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives.
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 PROPULSION TEST ENGINEER I/II As a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer I/II for 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.

Set and maintain best practices for all aspects of testing, ensuring a high standard of excellence across the team.
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.
Define, document, and uphold standards of excellence through training, coaching, and review of others' work.
Experience working with hypergolic propellants, or experience designing, building, or maintaining flight or GSE systems for hypergolic propellant service
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.

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.
Expertise in instrumentation, automation, and data acquisition using either National Instruments or Beckhoff PLC
8+ years of experience in rocket engine test engineering, or equivalent high-performance field
Prior work on engine test facilities and experience hot fire testing liquid rocket engines, including instrumentation, test operation, and data analysis

Excited by the opportunity to establish a new capability for Rocket Lab and the country.
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

Range (CA Only)
$132,000 - $176,000 USD
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 o

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.
Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab.

This listing is sourced directly from Rocket Lab Corporation's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.