Lead Electric Propulsion Engineer — Space Systems

Rocket Lab Corp.; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 212,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA seeks a Principal Electric Propulsion Engineer to lead system-level and component-level propulsion development within our Space Systems group. You will own end-to-end design, modelling, testing, and risk management for high-performance spacecraft propulsion.

The role requires 12+ years in propulsion, a technical engineering degree, and US citizenship with the ability to obtain a security clearance.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience in propulsion system development.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or related).
• Expertise in propulsion system modelling, static and transient analysis, and model validation using test data with Amesim, EcosimPro, Simulink, or Simscape.
• Experience with end-to-end development process including requirements, detailed design, qualification, production, and testing.
• Strong grasp of all steps in the Systems Engineering V and risk-based decision making.
• Experience with electric propulsion systems.
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Own development of new or existing propulsion products or systems as technical lead.
• Perform conceptual and detailed performance calculations and system designs.
• Gather and manage requirements.
• Lead systems engineering activities within the team.
• Plan tests, set up instrumentation, execute tests, and analyze data.
• Communicate with project stakeholders inside and outside the team.
• Make risk-based technical decisions and guide engineering solutions.
• Manage project schedules and priority items, and report status to leadership.
• Mentor team members and drive professional development.
• Define and maintain standards of excellence through documentation and review.
• Contribute to Rocket Lab engineering processes and documentation.

Skills

Propulsion systems

System modelling

Test analysis

V&V processes

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

Amesim

EcosimPro

Simulink

Simscape

Job description

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA seeks a Principal Electric Propulsion Engineer to lead system-level and component-level propulsion development within our Space Systems group. You will own end-to-end design, modelling, testing, and risk management for high-performance spacecraft propulsion.

The role requires 12+ years in propulsion, a technical engineering degree, and US citizenship with the ability to obtain a security clearance.