Senior Propulsion Development Engineer — Flight Hardware

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Development Engineer in Propulsion to own engines, turbopumps, valves, injectors, and fluid systems powering Electron. You will sketch to flight-ready hardware, define requirements, and release drawings for parts and subsystems.

You will lead cross-disciplinary teams, plan campaigns, and coach engineers, with hands-on work from test data to production floor. This role demands high safety standards and rapid problem solving.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree with 6+ years of experience.
• Deep manufacturing and production understanding.
• Experience taking a product from development into rate production.
• Proven ability to lead multiple engineering projects from concept to operation.
• Deep knowledge in two or more areas: structural, vibration, CFD, thermal, fatigue/creep, FMEA or root cause analysis.
• Strong root cause analysis and problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to transfer skills across rocket, aerospace or automotive contexts.

Responsibilities

• Define best practices and coach the team to the same standard.
• Plan and manage risk across programs, preventing issues before they arise.
• Lead cross-team problem solving and drive improvements across the engine development cycle.
• Oversee planning and resource allocation to accelerate engine development.
• Coach engineers and deputize for the lead when needed.
• Communicate technical decisions clearly to influence direction.

Skills

Manufacturing & production

Project leadership

Technical team leadership

Structural analysis

Vibration analysis

CFD

Thermal analysis

Fatigue & creep analysis

FMEA

Root cause analysis

Systems thinking

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

NX

Teamcenter

JAMA

Jira

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Development Engineer in Propulsion to own engines, turbopumps, valves, injectors, and fluid systems powering Electron. You will sketch to flight-ready hardware, define requirements, and release drawings for parts and subsystems.

You will lead cross-disciplinary teams, plan campaigns, and coach engineers, with hands-on work from test data to production floor. This role demands high safety standards and rapid problem solving.