Lead Propulsion Engineer, Archimedes Engine

Rocket Lab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 162,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grant

Stock purchase program (15% discount)

Medical plans (HMO/PPO)

Dental & vision

Paid vacation and holidays

401(k) with company match

EV charging subsidy

Job summary

Rocket Lab in the United States is seeking a Principal Propulsion Engineer to lead development, testing, and operation of the Archimedes Engine family for the Neutron rocket program. You will own subsystems and drive design, testing, and operational readiness.

This role requires technical leadership, strong autonomy, and the ability to align teams across disciplines to achieve program goals and deliver reliable propulsion hardware for missions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
• 12+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations.
• Strong technical understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, cryogenic systems, and rocket engine architecture.
• Familiarity with engine P&IDs, fluid system routing, and hotfire data reviews.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, test, fly, and refly next generation propulsion hardware ensuring operational readiness and flight success.
• Develop and execute test plans, including qualification and acceptance testing, and conduct post-test data reviews to refine designs and processes.
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines to optimize engine performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Generate high-level plans and prioritize tasks across teams, resolving competing priorities and ensuring alignment with program goals.
• Mentor and guide engineers, fostering technical growth and collaboration.
• Work with manufacturing, testing and vehicle operation teams to support engine needs, operation, and resolve issues each part of the engine lifecycle.

Skills

12+ years rocket engine development

Fluid dynamics

Thermodynamics

Cryogenic systems

Rocket engine architecture

Engine P&IDs

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

P&IDs

Job description

Rocket Lab in the United States is seeking a Principal Propulsion Engineer to lead development, testing, and operation of the Archimedes Engine family for the Neutron rocket program. You will own subsystems and drive design, testing, and operational readiness.

This role requires technical leadership, strong autonomy, and the ability to align teams across disciplines to achieve program goals and deliver reliable propulsion hardware for missions.