Senior / Principal Propulsion Engineer

Rocket Lab USA; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 116,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading space technology company in Long Beach, California, is seeking a Senior/Principal Propulsion Engineer to lead the development of the Archimedes Engine for the Neutron rocket. The role demands expertise in rocket engine development, with responsibilities including design, testing, and cross-functional collaboration. Candidates should have at least 5-12 years of relevant experience depending on the role, along with a focus on fluid dynamics and thermodynamics. The position offers a competitive salary range of $116,000 — $225,000 USD and opportunities for growth within a high-performing team.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations.
• 8+ years of experience for Senior Propulsion Engineer II role.
• 12+ years of experience for Principal Propulsion Engineer.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze propulsion hardware for flight success.
• Develop and execute test plans for qualification.
• Collaborate to optimize engine performance.

Skills

Fluid dynamics

Thermodynamics

Cryogenic systems

Rocket engine architecture

Engine P&IDs

Hotfire data reviews

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering

Job description

Overview

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

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 cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. This is an opportunity to join a high-performing team and contribute to a clean-sheet development of a reusable liquid launch vehicle.

Role

SENIOR / PRINCIPAL PROPULSION ENGINEER

As Senior/Principal Propulsion Engineer, you will play a critical role in the development, testing, and operation of the Archimedes Engine family, a cornerstone of the Neutron rocket program. You will take ownership of subsystems and engine operation, driving design, analysis, testing, and operational readiness. You will execute testing campaigns, analyze data, improve existing evaluation capability and refine designs for reliability and vehicle operations. This role demands technical expertise, strong autonomy, and the ability to align teams and projects to achieve program goals. Principal Engineers will additionally drive value to teams outside their group, influencing cross-functional efforts and contributing to the broader success of the Neutron program.

What you’ll get to do

• Design, analyze, test, fly, and refly next generation propulsion hardware ensuring operational readiness and flight success.
• Develop and execute test plans, including qualification and acceptance testing, and conduct post-test data reviews to refine designs and processes.
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines to optimize engine performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Generate high-level plans and prioritize tasks across teams, resolving competing priorities and ensuring alignment with program goals.
• Mentor and guide engineers, fostering technical growth and collaboration.
• Work with manufacturing, testing and vehicle operation teams to support engine needs, operation, and resolve issues at each part of the engine lifecycle.

(This position can be hired as a Senior Propulsion Engineer I, II or Principal Propulsion Engineer)

Qualifications

You’ll bring these qualifications as a Senior Propulsion Engineer I

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations.
• Strong technical understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, cryogenic systems, and rocket engine architecture.
• Familiarity with engine P&IDs, fluid system routing, and hotfire data reviews.

You’ll bring these qualifications as a Senior Propulsion Engineer II

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations.
• Strong technical understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, cryogenic systems, and rocket engine architecture.
• Familiarity with engine P&IDs, fluid system routing, and hotfire data reviews.

You’ll bring these qualifications as a Principal Propulsion Engineer

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
• 12+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations.
• Strong technical understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, cryogenic systems, and rocket engine architecture.
• Familiarity with engine P&IDs, fluid system routing, and hotfire data reviews.

Nice-to-have

• Advanced degree in a fluid mechanics-heavy field.
• Experience with ox-rich staged combustion systems and methyl/LOX propellants.
• Background in failure analysis, combustion dynamics, turbopump mechanics, and hydraulics.
• Familiarity with reusable rocket engine systems and test/launch facility operations.
• Experience with best practices for design, qualification, and production.

Additional requirements

• Ability to travel to test and launch facilities (~25%).
• Flexibility to work extended hours or weekends as needed.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

Compensation

Base salary range: $116,000 — $225,000 USD (CA only). Base salary is one component of total rewards including company equity and a comprehensive benefits package.

What to expect

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. This requires hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others deem impossible. We pride ourselves on supporting one another, working under pressure, and delivering results.

Compliance and notices

For candidates seeking to work in the US offices: ITAR compliance requires eligibility to work in the United States. Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process may contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. For New Zealand offices: background checks will be undertaken prior to offers; eligibility to access equipment and data regulated by ITAR is required. Certain citizenship/nationality requirements may apply under ITAR regulations.