Lead Propulsion Engineer – Archimedes Engine

Rocket Lab USA; Mississippi; On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior/Principal Propulsion Engineer to lead the development, testing, and operation of the Archimedes Engine family for the Neutron rocket program. You will own subsystems, drive design and testing, analyze data, and improve evaluation capabilities to ensure reliability and flight readiness.

This role requires autonomy, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to align teams to program goals while delivering results within schedules and budgets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
• 5+ 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 to ensure readiness and flight success.
• Develop and execute test plans, including qualification and acceptance testing, and review post-test data to refine designs.
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines to optimize engine performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Generate high-level plans and priorities across teams, resolving competing priorities and aligning with program goals.
• Mentor and guide engineers, promoting technical growth and collaboration.
• Work with manufacturing, testing and vehicle operation teams to support engine needs and lifecycle.

Skills

Rocket engine development

Fluid dynamics

Thermodynamics

Cryogenic systems

Engine P&IDs

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior/Principal Propulsion Engineer to lead the development, testing, and operation of the Archimedes Engine family for the Neutron rocket program. You will own subsystems, drive design and testing, analyze data, and improve evaluation capabilities to ensure reliability and flight readiness.

This role requires autonomy, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to align teams to program goals while delivering results within schedules and budgets.