Propulsion Systems Analyst II / Senior

Rocket Lab Corporation; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 126,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidized EV charging

Onsite fitness centers

Discounted gym memberships

50% merch store discount

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Propulsion Systems Analyst II / Senior to own engine transient performance and startup/shutdown campaigns for the Archimedes engines. You will develop simulations, support test campaigns, and serve as the engine POC, working with engine leads to align subcomponent and vehicle needs.

The role requires a mechanical/aerospace degree and hands-on experience with cryogenic propulsion fluids analysis, plus familiarity with lumped parameter tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related field.
• 2+ years experience with fluids system analysis of a cryogenic liquid propulsion rocket engine.
• Demonstrated expertise using or building a lumped parameter fluid analysis tool.
• Knowledge of fundamentals in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and fluid system design.

Responsibilities

• Develop transient startup and shutdown simulations for the Archimedes engines family.
• Develop and maintain startup and shutdown valve sequences and test campaigns for engine transients.
• Support test site and vehicle transient test campaigns with data review and model grounding.
• Serve as the technical expert engine POC for all engine transients.
• Collaborate with engine leads to communicate subcomponent and vehicle system needs.
• Create and maintain data processing tools.

Skills

Fluid analysis

Cryogenic propulsion

Engine transients

Startup/shutdown simulations

Data review

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

ROCETS

Lumped parameter models

Job description

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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 SYSTEMS ANALYST II / SENIOR

The Propulsion Systems Analyst is responsible for the creation, maintenance, of engine transients and steady state models as well as owning the overall performance of the startup and shutdown of the Archimedes Engines. They will help develop startup and shutdown campaigns for all the engines in the Archimedes engine family. They will also assist in the maintaining engine performance models used for vehicle level analysis.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop transient startup and shutdown simulations for the Archimedes engines family.
• Develop and maintain startup and shutdown valve sequences as well as test campaigns for the verification and engine transients.
• Support test site and vehicle transients test campaigns with data review, model grounding, and valve sequence changes for engine testing.
• Serve as the technical expert engine POC for all engine transients.
• Work closely with other engine leads to ensure to communicate subcomponent needs as well as vehicle system needs to support healthy engine transients.
• Creation and maintenance of data processing tools

(This position can be hired as a Propulsion Analyst II or Senior Propulsion Analyst I Level)

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A PROPULSION SYSTEMS ANALYST II:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related field
• 2+ years experience with fluids system analysis of a cryogenic liquid propulsion rocket engine.
• Demonstrated expertise using or building a lumped parameter fluid analysis tool.
• Knowledge of fundamentals in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and fluid system design.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR PROPULSION SYSTEMS ANALYST I:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related field
• 5+ years experience with fluids system analysis of a cryogenic liquid propulsion rocket engine.
• Demonstrated expertise using or building a lumped parameter fluid analysis tool.
• Knowledge of fundamentals in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and fluid system design.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Advanced degree in a fluid mechanics-heavy field
• 4+ years experience designing and operating an engine system or components for a staged combustion rocket engine.
• Experience with ROCet Engine Transient Simulation Software (ROCETS)
• Experience with Methyl/LOX fluid systems.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay,you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

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.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$136,075 - $193,075 USD

$126,000 - $172,800 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.

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 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.