Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Engineer II

About the role

Rocket Lab is looking for a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Engineer II for its propulsion engineering team in Long Beach, CA. You will own system-level and component-level development of spacecraft propulsion and fluidic systems, supporting the Space Systems division and leading programs for civil, commercial and defense customers.

Key responsibilities

• Own the development of new or existing products or systems and act as technical lead through end-to-end development
• Perform conceptual and detailed performance calculations, systems modelling, analysis and design
• Gather, define and manage requirements, and lead systems engineering activities
• Plan tests, set up instrumentation, run experiments, analyse data and communicate results to stakeholders
• Make risk-based engineering decisions and manage projects, including schedules, priorities and status reporting
• Mentor team members and maintain standards through documentation, training and reviews
• Contribute to engineering process development and documentation

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics or another technical discipline
• 8+ years of experience in propulsion system development or a comparable high-performance field
• US citizenship required due to program requirements (ITAR compliance)
• Nice to have: Master's or PhD, hands-on engineering skills, comfort with ambiguity, and experience with flight hardware testing and troubleshooting

Required skills

• Propulsion system modelling, static and transient analysis, and model validation with test data
• Software such as Amesim, EcosimPro, Simulink or Simscape
• End-to-end development, systems engineering V and risk-based decision making
• Nice to have: Python for data processing, NX or equivalent CAD, GD&T and engineering drawings, Teamcenter or Windchill, National Instruments data acquisition

What we offer

• Base pay range of $132,000-$198,000 USD (California only); company stock and an employee stock purchase program with a 15% discount
• Medical, dental and vision plans, paid vacation, sick time, 11 paid holidays, parental leave, 401(k) with company match
• Additional perks such as subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers and employee discounts