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Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Engineer to join its Space Systems division in Long Beach, CA. This role focuses on system-level and component-level ownership of spacecraft propulsion and fluidic systems development, supporting civil, commercial, and defense customers.
Key responsibilities include owning development of new or existing propulsion products and systems, serving as technical lead to guide teams through end-to-end development. You will conduct conceptual and detailed performance calculations, systems modeling, analysis, and design. Requirements gathering, definition, and management are core to the role, along with systems engineering activities and leadership within the team.
You will plan and execute comprehensive testing, including setup, instrumentation, execution, and data analysis. Stakeholder communication—both internal and external—is essential. The role involves technical risk-based decision-making when facing engineering challenges, project management including schedule building, tasking of engineers and technicians, and status communication to leadership.
Mentorship and coaching of team members on technical and professional development is expected. You will define and maintain standards of excellence through documentation, training, coaching, and review of others' work. Contributing to engineering process development and documentation at Rocket Lab in your areas of expertise is also part of the position.
Required qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or related engineering discipline, plus 5+ years of experience in propulsion system development or other high-performance fields. An active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility is mandatory, as is US citizenship due to program requirements.
You must have expertise in propulsion system modeling, static and transient analysis, and model validation using software such as Amesim, EcosimPro, Simulink, or Simscape. Experience with the complete development lifecycle—requirements, detailed design, qualification, production, and acceptance testing—is required. Proficiency with Systems Engineering V methodology and risk-based decision-making is essential. Experience with different storable propellants (electrical and chemical) is required.
Desirable qualifications include genuine passion for engineering with a curious mindset, demonstrated hands-on engineering skills, comfort with ambiguity, and ability to make decisions using engineering principles, literature, standards, risk assessments, and physics-based models. Experience with Jama, Python for data manipulation, and excellent communication and teamwork skills are valued.
