Propulsion Engineer II - Engine Systems

Rocket Lab USA Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Top tier medical HMO, PPO & 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan

Dental and vision coverage

3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave

11 paid holidays per year

Paid parental leave

Disability and life insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Discounted employee stock purchase program

Subsidized EV charging stations

Onsite gym

Job summary

A leading space technology company is seeking a Propulsion Engineer II to contribute to the Archimedes Engine program for the Neutron rocket. This role involves the design, analysis, and testing of propulsion hardware, requiring strong technical expertise in fluid dynamics and mechanical design principles. Candidates should have at least two years of relevant experience and exhibit autonomy and attention to detail. The position offers competitive compensation, benefits, and an opportunity to work at the forefront of space technology.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations.
• Strong understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and cryogenic systems.
• Fundamental understanding of mechanical design principles.

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, test, and refly next generation propulsion hardware.
• Develop clear requirements and deliver validated designs and hardware.
• Execute engine test plans and conduct post-test data reviews.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Support flight operations, including engine acceptance.

Skills

Autonomy

Technical expertise

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering

Job description

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 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.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost‑effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re‑usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

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.

Success requires strong autonomy, technical expertise, curiosity, attention to detail, and the ability to organize complex systems into actionable plans while collaborating across teams. You will also support engine analysis, simulation, testing, and tool development, bringing deep technical acumen to solve challenging problems. As a self‑starter capable of leading projects with minimal oversight, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact in a fast‑growing startup environment that fosters growth and innovation.

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.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel to test and launch facilities (~25%).
• Flexibility to work extended hours or weekends as needed.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

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.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$100,000 — $125,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out‑think, out‑work and out‑pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

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. Learn more about ITAR here.

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.

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 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'

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. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.