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Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer II to lead propulsion testing operations at their Long Beach, CA facility. 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 and requirements.
Your responsibilities include setting and maintaining best practices for all testing activities, supporting engineers and leadership with risk-based decision-making during development challenges, and applying systems engineering principles to integrate testing with broader engineering efforts. You will communicate regularly with internal and external stakeholders, define standards of excellence through training and coaching, and contribute to career-defining projects in space propulsion.
Required qualifications include 8+ years of rocket engine test engineering experience, a Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or related engineering discipline, and hands-on experience with liquid rocket engine hot fire testing including instrumentation, test operations, and data analysis. You must have expertise in instrumentation and data acquisition using National Instruments or Beckhoff PLC systems, and be willing to travel to test facilities for extended periods.
Desirable qualifications include experience with hypergolic propellants, government approval processes (NEPA, permitting), aerospace testing standards (vibration, thermal, vacuum, leak testing), Python for data analysis, and 1D fluid system modeling. Rocket Lab's Space Systems team has enabled over 1,700 missions for NASA, the Space Development Agency, U.S. Space Force, and commercial partners, building spacecraft and subsystems for lunar, Mars, and national security missions.
