Propulsion Design Engineer II — Build Archimedes Engines

Rocket Lab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidized EV charging

Onsite fitness centers

Discounted gym memberships

Complimentary snacks and beverages

50% merch store discount

401(k) matching

Job summary

Rocket Lab’s Propulsion Design Engineer II is based in Long Beach, CA and focuses on designing engine components for the Archimedes engine. You will design, analyze and build hardware to advance propulsion programs, collaborating with teams across Neutron and Archimedes projects.

The role emphasizes mechanical design, DFML/GD&T proficiency, and experience from concept to production, with opportunities to influence cutting-edge aerospace hardware.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in relevant engineering field.
• Strong foundation in heat transfer, fluids and structural mechanics.
• Proficiency in finite element analysis using ANSYS Workbench or similar packages.
• Mastery of mechanical design principles.
• Strong understanding of design for manufacturing and GD&T principles.
• Prior experience developing and maintaining engineering design best practices
• Prior experience developing parts, assemblies or systems from concept to production.

Responsibilities

• Design engine components (combustion chambers, turbo machinery, engine layout) for Archimedes Engine.
• Develop and own mechanical design solutions for propulsion systems.
• Perform trade studies and design reviews from concept to production.
• Collaborate with internal and external fabrication teams to move hardware from design to production.

Skills

Heat transfer

Fluids

Structural mechanics

Finite element analysis

Mechanical design

DFM principles

GD&T

Engineering best practices

Concept to production

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering

Tools

ANSYS Workbench

StarCCM+

Job description

Rocket Lab’s Propulsion Design Engineer II is based in Long Beach, CA and focuses on designing engine components for the Archimedes engine. You will design, analyze and build hardware to advance propulsion programs, collaborating with teams across Neutron and Archimedes projects.

The role emphasizes mechanical design, DFML/GD&T proficiency, and experience from concept to production, with opportunities to influence cutting-edge aerospace hardware.