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Rocket Lab is seeking a Spacecraft Propulsion Components Engineer II to join the propulsion engineering team in Long Beach, CA. This role offers system-level and component-level ownership of space systems propulsion and fluidic development, supporting the Space Systems division on cutting-edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers.
Key responsibilities include owning development of new or existing propulsion products and systems, acting as a technical lead to guide the team through end-to-end development. You will perform conceptual and detailed mechanical designs in CAD for propulsion system components, conduct performance calculations and analysis, and review and approve drawings, 3D PMI, reports, and specifications from team members. The role involves comprehensive test planning, setup, instrumentation, execution, and data analysis.
You will communicate with internal and external project stakeholders, make technical risk-based decisions when facing engineering challenges, and manage project schedules and priorities. Importantly, this position includes mentorship and coaching of team members on technical and professional development, and defining standards of excellence through documentation, training, and review of others' work. You will also contribute to engineering process development and documentation at Rocket Lab.
Required qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, 2+ years of experience in propulsion system development or other high-performance field, US citizenship (due to program requirements), and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
Desirable experience includes detailed mechanical design using NX or equivalent CAD software, familiarity with PLM systems like Teamcenter or Windchill, experience with storable propellants (electrical and chemical), track record of design reviews and flight hardware approval, end-to-end development process experience, Python capabilities for data analysis, hands-on integration and testing, GD&T expertise, and National Instruments data acquisition systems experience.
