Senior Propulsion & Fluids Test Engineer — Space Systems

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland is seeking a Senior Propulsion and Fluids Test Engineer to join our Space Systems team. You will own propulsion components and fluid systems from concept through qualification to production and will design, build, and operate test setups for validating hardware performance.

This role requires hands-on experience with instrumentation, data acquisition, and test execution across the full development lifecycle; strong problem-solving and collaboration with multidisciplinary

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience developing and testing propulsion or high-performance hardware.
• Experience with instrumentation, data acquisition, and test execution.
• Experience across full development lifecycle from requirements through to production.
• Strong problem-solving in ambiguous situations.
• Familiarity with LabVIEW and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Own propulsion components and fluid systems from concept through qualification to production.
• Design, build, and operate test setups to validate hardware performance.
• Plan and execute test campaigns, including instrumentation, data collection, and analysis.
• Troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues that emerge during development and testing.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop new systems and improve existing designs.
• Navigate technical challenges across development, qualification, and production phases.
• Review and approve test plans and reports to maintain engineering standards.
• Guide risk-based decision-making for propulsion and fluid systems.
• Mentor and support other engineers in technical development and best practices.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders across the organization to ensure alignment and mission success.

Skills

Propulsion systems

Fluid systems

Test equipment operation

Instrumentation & data acquisition

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Master's degree or PhD in relevant field

Tools

LabVIEW

Job description

Rocket Lab in Auckland is seeking a Senior Propulsion and Fluids Test Engineer to join our Space Systems team. You will own propulsion components and fluid systems from concept through qualification to production and will design, build, and operate test setups for validating hardware performance.

This role requires hands-on experience with instrumentation, data acquisition, and test execution across the full development lifecycle; strong problem-solving and collaboration with multidisciplinary