Ion Propulsion Test Engineer: Hands-on Development

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

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.