SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Rocket Lab is seeking a Spacecraft Propulsion Components Engineer II to join its propulsion engineering team in Long Beach, CA. You will own system-level and component-level development of space systems propulsion and fluidic subsystems, supporting the Space Systems division across civil, commercial, and defense customer programs.
Key responsibilities include:
- Own end-to-end development of new or existing propulsion products and systems, acting as technical lead
- Perform conceptual and detailed mechanical design in CAD for propulsion components, including performance calculations and analysis
- Review and approve engineering drawings, 3D PMI, reports, and specifications from team members
- Plan and execute propulsion testing, including instrumentation setup, data collection, and analysis
- Manage technical risk-based decision-making when addressing engineering challenges
- Lead project management activities including schedule development, priority identification, task assignment, and status communication to leadership
- Mentor and coach team members on technical and professional development
- Establish and maintain engineering excellence standards through documentation, training, and work review
- Contribute to Rocket Lab's engineering process development and documentation
- Communicate with internal and external stakeholders throughout development cycles
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering discipline
- 2+ years of experience in propulsion system development or comparable high-performance engineering field
- US citizenship (required due to program requirements)
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
Desired experience includes:
- Mechanical design expertise using NX or equivalent CAD software and PLM systems (Teamcenter, Windchill)
- Propulsion systems experience with storable propellants (electrical, chemical)
- Design review and flight hardware release approval experience
- End-to-end development process knowledge (requirements, design, qualification, production, acceptance testing)
- Test planning, execution, and reporting capabilities
- Python proficiency for data analysis
- Hands-on engineering skills and integration experience
Rocket Lab builds rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems for space missions. The Space Systems team has enabled over 1,700 missions for NASA, Space Development Agency, U.S. Space Force, and commercial partners, including lunar and Mars exploration programs.
