Lead Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer

Rocket Lab Corporation; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage (HMO/PPO)

Company-sponsored HSA

Dental and vision

Paid vacation and sick leave

11 paid holidays

FSAs and dependent care

Parental leave

Disability and life insurance

401(k) with company match

Employee stock purchase plan

EV charging stations

Onsite gym

Food and drinks

Other discounts

Job summary

Rocket Lab Corporation in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer II to plan, prepare for, and execute engine and propulsion component testing. You will own the test facility, equipment, and test operations, providing insights to improve reliability and performance across cradle-to-grave development.

The role requires 8+ years in rocket engine testing, a degree in engineering, and travel to facilities. Competitive base pay and extensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of rocket engine test engineering experience.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics) or similar.
• Willingness to travel to test facilities and work off-site.
• Experience with hot-fire testing of liquid rocket engines, instrumentation, data analysis.
• Expertise in instrumentation, automation, and data acquisition (NI or Beckhoff).

Responsibilities

• Set and maintain best practices for all testing activities.
• Provide guidance, training, and technical leadership on testing methodologies.
• Review and sign off on test plans and test reports.
• Support risk-based decision making with engineers and leadership.
• Own the full testing lifecycle from planning to reporting.
• Apply a systems engineering mindset to testing activities.
• Communicate with stakeholders internal and external to the team.
• Define and uphold standards of excellence through training and review.
• Contribute to meaningful projects with exceptional colleagues in a collaborative environment.

Skills

Rocket engine test engineering

Instrumentation & data acquisition

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering (aerospace/mechanical/mechatronics)

Tools

National Instruments

Beckhoff PLC

Job description

Rocket Lab Corporation in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer II to plan, prepare for, and execute engine and propulsion component testing. You will own the test facility, equipment, and test operations, providing insights to improve reliability and performance across cradle-to-grave development.

The role requires 8+ years in rocket engine testing, a degree in engineering, and travel to facilities. Competitive base pay and extensive benefits are offered.