Electric Propulsion Test Engineer

Rocketlab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in New Zealand seeks an Electric Propulsion Test Engineer (Development Engineer) to join the Ion Propulsion team. You’ll perform hands-on testing, develop new test methods, and analyze results to improve propulsion systems.

You will work with design and production teams, documenting findings and supporting production handover, with a focus on reliability and advanced ion propulsion technology shaping future space missions.

Qualifications

• Degree in engineering or physics with 1+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Strong ownership mindset and reliability to complete projects.
• Hands-on experience building or testing mechanical or electromechanical components/systems.
• Excellent reading and writing communication skills.
• Passion and curiosity for engineering and learning.
• Desirable: experience with electric propulsion testing, vacuum systems, high voltage, or particle beams.
• Desirable: background in rocket engines, fluid components, or spacecraft propulsion systems.
• Desirable: Python programming for data manipulation and post-processing.
• Desirable: experience with instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition systems.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on testing of ion propulsion systems and components.
• Develop test equipment, procedures, and analysis methods to advance vehicle testing capabilities.
• Proactively identify and resolve quality issues and technical challenges.
• Create thorough technical documentation following company standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on anomaly resolution and design improvements.
• Develop and maintain data processing and test automation code.
• Transition acceptance testing processes to production teams.

Skills

Passion & Curiosity

Ownership Mindset

Hands-On Skills

Problem-Solving

Communication

Education

Degree in engineering or physics

Tools

Python programming

Instrumentation & data acquisition

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

LAUNCH YOUR CAREER IN SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Are you ready to be part of New Zealand's space revolution? We're seeking a passionate Electric Propulsion Test Engineer (Development Engineer) to join our Ion Propulsion team, working on cutting-edge technology that powers the future of space exploration.

THE MISSION

As a Development Engineer, you'll be at the forefront of ion propulsion development, testing new systems and innovating existing designs. Working hands-on with sophisticated hardware, you'll solve complex engineering challenges that directly impact our missions and products. This is your opportunity to work alongside talented development engineers, designers, analysts, and technicians in a collaborative environment where your contributions truly matter.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Hands-on Testing: Execute test activities for ion propulsion systems and components
• Innovation: Develop test equipment, procedures, and analysis methods to advance vehicle testing capabilities
• Problem-Solving: Proactively identify and resolve quality issues and technical challenges
• Documentation: Create thorough technical documentation following company standards
• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams on anomaly resolution and design improvements
• Automation: Develop and maintain data processing and test automation code
• Production Support: Transition acceptance testing processes to production teams

WHAT YOU BRING

Essential

• Passion & Curiosity: A genuine enthusiasm for engineering and a hunger to learn
• Education & Experience: Degree in engineering or physics with 1+ years of relevant industry experience
• Ownership Mindset: Strong sense of responsibility and drive to see projects through to completion
• Hands-On Skills: Proven experience building or testing mechanical or electromechanical components/systems
• Problem-Solving: Exceptional analytical abilities and meticulous attention to detail
• Communication: Excellent reading and writing skills

Desirable

• Experience with electric propulsion testing, vacuum systems, high voltage, or particle beams
• Background in rocket engines, fluid components, or spacecraft propulsion systems
• Python programming capabilities for data manipulation and post-processing
• Experience with instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition systems

WHAT MAKES YOU SUCCESSFUL HERE

You're someone who:

• Thrives on tough engineering challenges with a positive, can-do attitude
• Takes ownership and delivers results on schedule
• Communicates transparently and provides constructive feedback
• Adapts flexibly to support team needs
• Believes no task is beneath them
• Maintains professionalism and follows safety protocols rigorously

WHY JOIN US?

• Work onreal space missionswith tangible impact
• Collaborate with aworld-class engineering team
• Develop your career in New Zealand's growingspace industry
• Engage withcutting-edge ion propulsion technology
• Contribute to innovations that push the boundaries of space exploration

READY FOR LIFTOFF?

If you're motivated by complex engineering challenges and want to contribute to humanity's future in space, we want to hear from you.

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail] dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.