Propulsion Test Lead — Spacecraft Systems

Rocket Lab Corporation; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 198,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Medical plans (HMO/PPO)

Dental and vision coverage

Paid vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays

401(k) with company match

Subsidized EV charging

Onsite fitness centers

Snacks and beverages

Merchandise discounts

Job summary

Rocket Lab Corporation in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer II to plan, prepare, and execute engine and propulsion testing. You will own the test facility, equipment, and operations, driving reliability and performance improvements across cradle-to-grave development.

The role requires 8+ years in rocket engine testing, a engineering degree, travel ability, and experience with instrumentation and data acquisition systems (NI/Beckhoff).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or related).
• 8+ years rocket engine test engineering or equivalent experience.
• Ability to travel to test facilities and work off-site.

Responsibilities

• Set and maintain best practices for all testing activities with high standards.
• Provide guidance, training, and technical leadership on testing methodologies.
• Review and sign off on test plans and reports for quality and compliance.
• Support risk-based decisions to guide the team through challenges.
• Own end-to-end testing lifecycle from planning to data reporting.
• Apply systems engineering mindset to integrate testing with broader efforts.
• Communicate with stakeholders internal and external to the team.
• Define standards of excellence through coaching and reviews.
• Contribute to meaningful projects with exceptional colleagues.

Skills

Rocket engine test engineering

Technical leadership

Systems engineering mindset

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's or PhD

Tools

National Instruments

Beckhoff PLC

Job description

Rocket Lab Corporation in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer II to plan, prepare, and execute engine and propulsion testing. You will own the test facility, equipment, and operations, driving reliability and performance improvements across cradle-to-grave development.

The role requires 8+ years in rocket engine testing, a engineering degree, travel ability, and experience with instrumentation and data acquisition systems (NI/Beckhoff).