Propulsion Build Engineer II - Hands-On Engine Assembly

Telemetry Today LLC; Mississippi; On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Build Engineer at the NASA Stennis test facility in Mississippi to own the Archimedes engine build processes and drive continuous improvements on the shop floor. This hands-on role requires problem-solving, cross-functional collaboration, and a strong manufacturing mindset to support high cadence engine testing.

You\'ll work with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to implement improvements while maintaining safety and quality standards across production sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering, or other technical degree.
• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing, integration or assembly environment.
• Experience with propulsion systems, complex mechanical assemblies, or shop floor operations.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex, hands-on technical problems in real time.

Responsibilities

• Own the build process for the Archimedes engine and related propulsion hardware at the test site.
• Design and implement improvements to shop floor layout and flow to optimize efficiency, safety, and quality of engine builds, including designing and purchasing of specialty tooling and equipment where needed.
• Develop, document, and improve procedures for assembly, integration and check-out operations.
• Create and maintain engine build work orders to ensure accurate and traceable assembly operations.
• Support technicians performing engine build work, resolving blockers, clarifying build requirements, and providing hands-on guidance as needed.
• Coordinate with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure timely availability of engine parts and materials required for engine builds and rebuilds to support high cadence engine testing.
• Work closely with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to implement design changes, resolve non-conformances, and drive hardware improvements.
• Maintain consistency with production operations at Neutron production sites by aligning build processes and standards wherever possible.
• Lead and participate in problem containment and structured root cause & corrective action investigations.

Skills

Propulsion systems

Mechanical assemblies

Shop floor operations

Problem solving

Hands-on engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

CAD/PLM

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Build Engineer at the NASA Stennis test facility in Mississippi to own the Archimedes engine build processes and drive continuous improvements on the shop floor. This hands-on role requires problem-solving, cross-functional collaboration, and a strong manufacturing mindset to support high cadence engine testing.

You\'ll work with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to implement improvements while maintaining safety and quality standards across production sites.