Propulsion Engineer II, Engine Systems

Rocket Lab USA; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 151,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company equity

Medical coverage (HMO/PPO)

Onsite gym

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA is seeking a Propulsion Engineer II to join the Archimedes Engine Systems team. Own engine subsystems, oversee test campaigns, analyze data, and refine designs to improve reliability and flight performance.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust integration, support flight operations and engine acceptance, and drive architecture trades and requirement optimization for Neutron program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations.
• Strong technical understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and cryogenic systems.
• Fundamental understanding of mechanical design principles.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, test, fly, and refly next generation propulsion hardware ensuring operational readiness and flight success.
• Develop clear requirements and deliver validated designs and hardware that meet program milestones and flight requirements.
• Execute engine test plans, including performance validation and reliability testing, and conduct post-test data reviews to distill learnings and adjust test planning.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust integration, testing, and problem solving.
• Support flight operations, including engine acceptance and post-flight analysis.

Skills

Rocket engine development

Fluid dynamics

Thermodynamics

Cryogenic systems

Mechanical design principles

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

Test facilities operations

Job description

PROPULSION ENGINEER II - ARCHIMEDES ENGINE SYSTEMS

As an Engine Systems Propulsion Engineer, you will play a critical role in the development, testing, and operation of the Archimedes Engine family, a cornerstone of the Neutron rocket program. This highly technical role involves ownership of engine subsystems, test campaigns, data analysis, and refining designs for reliability and vehicle operations, while driving system architecture trades, managing interfaces, and optimizing requirements for the vehicle.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

• Design, analyze, test, fly, and refly next generation propulsion hardware ensuring operational readiness and flight success.
• Develop clear requirements and deliver validated designs and hardware that meet program milestones and flight requirements.
• Execute engine test plans, including performance validation and reliability testing, and conduct post-test data reviews to distill learnings and adjust test planning.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust integration, testing, and problem solving.
• Support flight operations, including engine acceptance and post-flight analysis.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS PROPULSION ENGINEER II

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations.
• Strong technical understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and cryogenic systems.
• Fundamental understanding of mechanical design principles.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• Advanced degree in a fluid mechanics-heavy field.
• Proven ability to conduct hotfire data reviews, identify blockers for testing, and ensure operational safety of engine systems.
• Experience with staged combustion rocket engines and Methyl/LOX propellant systems.
• Background in failure analysis, combustion dynamics, turbopump mechanics, and/ or fluid systems analysis.
• Familiarity with reusable rocket engine systems and/or test/launch facility operations.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$100,000 — $151,200 USD

Benefits

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including top tier medical HMO, PPO, a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Reasonable Accommodation

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

For Candidates Seeking to Work in US Offices Only

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable.

For Candidates Seeking to Work in New Zealand Offices Only

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.