Propulsion Engineer II — Engine Systems for Flight Success

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

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.