Propulsion Systems Lead Engineer — Flight-Ready Hardware

Rocketlab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand, seeks a Senior Development Engineer in Propulsion to own engines, turbopumps, valves, injectors and the supporting systems. You’ll guide from concept to flight-ready hardware, define requirements, iterate with NX and manufacturing, own the EBOM, and drive the test campaigns that prove each component.

You’ll lead teams and shape the operating life of propulsion hardware. You’ll work hands-on on test data, production floors, and development labs, setting

Qualifications

• 6+ years industry experience and an engineering degree.
• Deep manufacturing and production understanding.
• Experience taking a product from development into rate production.
• Proven ability to technically steer a team across multiple engineering projects.
• Depth in CFD, Thermal, Fatigue/creep, or FMEA.

Responsibilities

• Define best practice and coach the team to the same bar.
• Manage risk by anticipating issues and implementing mitigations.
• Own unsolved problems and lead cross-team resolution.
• Plan department-level plans and new processes/equipment for faster engines.
• Act as the technical tiebreaker for what is best for the company.
• Lead meetings and convey technical information concisely, deputising when needed.

Skills

Manufacturing expertise

Production to scale

Cross-project leadership

Problem solving

Analytical mindset

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

NX

Teamcenter

JAMA

Jira

Job description

Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand, seeks a Senior Development Engineer in Propulsion to own engines, turbopumps, valves, injectors and the supporting systems. You’ll guide from concept to flight-ready hardware, define requirements, iterate with NX and manufacturing, own the EBOM, and drive the test campaigns that prove each component.

You’ll lead teams and shape the operating life of propulsion hardware. You’ll work hands-on on test data, production floors, and development labs, setting