Propulsion Systems Engineer I/II

Rocketlab; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocketlab is engaged in seeking a Propulsion Systems Engineer I/II based in Long Beach, California, to drive system development for space propulsion and fluidic systems. The role includes responsibilities such as performance calculations, requirements management, and leading engineering activities. Suitable candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in engineering and relevant hands-on experience.

Success in this role will require US citizenship and the ability to obtain necessary security clearances. Join Rocketlab and contribute to innovative propulsion technologies.

Qualifications

• US citizenship and willingness to obtain required security clearance.
• At least 2 years of propulsion system development experience for II level.
• Demonstrated hands-on engineering skills.
• Strong communication skills and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Own development of new or existing propulsion products or systems.
• Perform performance calculations, system modeling, and design.
• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage project schedules and report status to leadership.
• Contribute to engineering process development.

Skills

Hands-on engineering skills

Propulsion system modeling

Strong communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or similar

Advanced degrees (master’s or Ph.D.)

Tools

Jama

Python

CAD (NX or equivalent)

GD&T

PLM (Teamcenter, Windchill)

National Instruments data acquisition

Job description

Propulsion Systems Engineer I/II

We are seeking a Propulsion Systems Engineer I/II for our propulsion engineering team based out of Long Beach, CA. The role involves ownership of system- and component-level development for space propulsion and fluidic systems.

Responsibilities

• Own development of new or existing propulsion products or systems, acting as technical lead.
• Perform conceptual and detailed performance calculations, system modeling, and design.
• Gather, define, and manage requirements; lead system engineering activities within the team.
• Plan, set up, instrument, execute, and analyze test data.
• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Make risk‑based decisions and select the best engineering solution.
• Manage project schedules, prioritize tasks, assign work, and report status to leadership.
• Mentor and coach teammates on technical and professional development.
• Maintain standards of excellence through documentation, training, and review.
• Contribute to engineering process development and documentation at Rocket Lab.

Qualifications – Propulsion Systems Engineer I

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or similar).
• Demonstrated hands‑on engineering skills.
• US citizenship and willingness to obtain required security clearance.

Qualifications – Propulsion Systems Engineer II

• At least 2 years of propulsion system development experience (or equivalent high‑performance field).
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or similar).
• Demonstrated hands‑on engineering skills.
• US citizenship and willingness to obtain required security clearance.

Nice to have

• Passion for engineering, curiosity, and willingness to learn.
• Comfortable working in ambiguous environments and making decisions based on engineering principles.
• Expertise in propulsion system modeling, static and transient analysis, and validation.
• Experience with various storable propellants (electrical, chemical).
• Strong communication skills and teamwork.
• Experience scheduling and managing project delivery.
• Experience with the Systems Engineering V model and risk‑based decision making.
• Experience with Jama, Python, CAD (NX or equivalent), GD&T, PLM (Teamcenter, Windchill), National Instruments data acquisition, flight hardware testing.
• Advanced degrees (master’s or Ph.D.) preferred.

Safety and Physical Demands

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.

Requirements for Employment

Candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations under U.S. government export regulations (ITAR).

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.