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Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer to lead propulsion testing operations for the Space Systems team in Long Beach, CA. In this role, you will own the full lifecycle of engine and propulsion component testing—from planning and facility management through execution, data analysis, and reporting. You'll provide technical leadership and mentorship to team members on testing methodologies, review and sign off on test plans and reports, and ensure compliance with aerospace standards.
Your responsibilities include planning and executing hot fire testing of liquid rocket engines, managing test instrumentation and data acquisition systems, and applying systems engineering principles to integrate testing activities with broader development efforts. You will support engineers and leadership with risk-based decision-making during development challenges, establish best practices for testing excellence, and communicate regularly with internal and external stakeholders.
You'll work on meaningful, mission-critical projects that directly impact Rocket Lab's spacecraft, payloads, and subsystems—components that have enabled over 1,700 missions including interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing, and national security initiatives. The role requires hands-on involvement with engine development from conception through production, providing test-driven insights that improve reliability, manufacturability, and performance.
Required qualifications include 5+ years of rocket engine test engineering experience, a Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or related engineering discipline, expertise in instrumentation and data acquisition (National Instruments or Beckhoff PLC), and prior experience with liquid rocket engine hot fire testing. You must be willing to travel to test facilities and work off-site for extended periods.
Desirable experience includes work with hypergolic propellants, technical project management and systems engineering fundamentals, strong documentation practices, anomaly investigation and root-cause analysis, and aerospace testing standards (vibration, shock, thermal cycling).
