Senior Build Engineer I - Propulsion Hardware Expert

Rocket Lab; Center (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Build Engineer II or Senior Build Engineer I at the NASA Stennis site in Mississippi to own the Archimedes engine build activities and drive improvements across assembly, integration, and test processes.

You will work hands-on with hardware, resolve blockers, and coordinate with production, design, and quality teams to maintain a high cadence of engine testing while ensuring safety, quality, and traceability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering.
• 2+ years of experience in a manufacturing, integration or assembly environment.
• Experience with propulsion systems, complex mechanical assemblies, or shop floor operations.
• Demonstrated ability to solve complex, hands‑on technical problems in real time.

Responsibilities

• Own the build process for the Archimedes engine and related propulsion hardware at the test site.
• Design and implement improvements to shop floor layout and flow to optimize efficiency, safety, and quality of engine builds, including designing and purchasing of specialty tooling and equipment where needed.
• Develop, document, and improve procedures for assembly, integration and check-out operations.
• Create and maintain engine build work orders to ensure accurate and traceable assembly operations.
• Support technicians performing engine build work, resolving blockers, clarifying build requirements, and providing hands‑on guidance as needed.
• Coordinate with manufacturing and supply chain teams to ensure timely availability of engine parts and materials required for engine builds and rebuilds to support high cadence engine testing.
• Work closely with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to implement design changes, resolve non‑conformances, and drive hardware improvements.
• Maintain consistency with production operations at Neutron production sites by aligning build processes and standards wherever possible.
• Lead and participate in problem containment and structured root cause & corrective action investigations.

Skills

Propulsion systems experience

Hands-on problem solving

Shop floor operations

Engineering problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or manufacturing engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

GD&T

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Build Engineer II or Senior Build Engineer I at the NASA Stennis site in Mississippi to own the Archimedes engine build activities and drive improvements across assembly, integration, and test processes.

You will work hands-on with hardware, resolve blockers, and coordinate with production, design, and quality teams to maintain a high cadence of engine testing while ensuring safety, quality, and traceability.