Spacecraft Propulsion Components Engineer II

Rocket Lab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical, dental, vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid vacation

Job summary

Rocket Lab seeks a Propulsion Components Engineer II based in Long Beach, CA to own system‑level and component‑level propulsion development. You will guide projects end‑to‑end, performing CAD design and performance analyses for propulsion components, and reviewing drawings and specifications.

You’ll lead tests, communicate with stakeholders, and mentor teammates while maintaining high engineering standards. U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain security clearance are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline required.
• 2+ years in propulsion system development or related high‑performance field.
• U.S. citizenship is required and ability to obtain security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Own development of propulsion system components through end‑to‑end development.
• Conceptual and detailed CAD design and performance calculations for propulsion components.
• Review and approve drawings, 3D PMI, reports, and specifications.
• Plan, set up, instrument, execute, and analyze tests.
• Mentor team members and maintain standards of excellence.

Skills

Propulsion system development

Security clearance eligibility

US citizenship

Education

Bachelor’s in engineering

Master’s or Ph.D. in engineering

Tools

NX CAD

Teamcenter/PIM

Windchill

Python

National Instruments

GD&T

Job description

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end‑to‑end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Space Systems

Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft and precision payloads to subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, such as solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. The team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration to in‑space manufacturing and national security and defense initiatives. We have built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.

Propulsion Components Engineer II

We’re looking for a Propulsion Components Engineer II based in Long Beach, CA. You will own system‑level and component‑level ownership of space systems propulsion and fluidic development, leading cutting‑edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers.

What You’ll Get To Do

• Own development of new or existing products or systems, acting as technical lead to guide the team through end‑to‑end development.
• Conceptual and detailed CAD design and performance calculations for propulsion system components.
• Review and approval of others’ drawings, 3D PMI, reports, and specifications.
• Plan, set up, instrument, execute, and analyze tests.
• Communicate with project stakeholders internally and externally.
• Make risk‑based decisions to select the best solution when faced with an engineering challenge.
• Manage project schedule, priorities, tasks, and status communication to leadership and other teams.
• Mentor and coach team members on technical and professional development.
• Define and maintain a standard of excellence through documentation, training, coaching, and review of others’ work.
• Contribute to engineering process development and documentation at Rocket Lab.

You’ll Bring These Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of experience in propulsion system development or a related high‑performance field.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have

• A genuine passion for engineering, a curious mindset, and willingness to learn.
• Detailed mechanical design experience using NX (preferred) or equivalent CAD software and PIM software such as Teamcenter (preferred) or Windchill.
• Comfortable working with high levels of ambiguity.
• Strong decision‑making using engineering principles, literature, standards, risk assessments, test data, and physics‑based models.
• Experience with propulsion systems utilizing different storable propellants, such as electrical and chemical.
• Track record of design reviews and approvals of flight parts, qualification reports, and decisions for flight hardware.
• Practice in defining technical goals, scheduling steps, and managing delivery against the plan.
• Experience developing requirements and verification sets, writing test plans, performing testing, and writing test reports.
• Experience with end‑to‑end development: requirements, design, qualification, production, and acceptance testing.
• Knowledge of Python for data manipulation and post‑processing.
• Hands‑on engineering skills, inside or outside the workplace.
• Hands‑on integration and testing experience (ideally using NI equipment and software).
• Experience with GD&T and engineering drawings.
• Experience using PIM software such as Teamcenter (preferred) or Windchill.
• Experience with National Instruments data acquisition systems.
• Experience with testing and troubleshooting flight hardware.
• Master’s or Ph.D. in engineering.

Benefits & Compensation

Base salary: $100,000 USD – $130,000 USD (CA only). Compensation also includes company equity, and a robust benefits package: top‑tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation, 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and access to a 401(k) plan with company match. Other perks include a discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and additional discounts.

Important Information

For Candidates Seeking to Work in U.S. Offices Only: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, Rocket Lab employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or otherwise eligible for required authorizations. Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination and harassment on any protected characteristic. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail].

For Candidates Seeking to Work in New Zealand Offices Only: Background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offer, including nationality checks for ITAR compliance. Eligibility is limited to citizens of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the EU, or NATO countries. For more information, see ITAR Regulations.