Senior / Principal Propulsion Engineer (pipeline)

Rocket Lab; Diamondhead (MS); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab's Neutron program seeks a Senior/Principal Propulsion Engineer to own subsystems and engine operation, driving design, testing, and operational readiness for the Archimedes engine family across our US sites.

You will lead testing campaigns, analyze data, mentor engineers, and collaborate with manufacturing, testing, and vehicle operations to ensure reliability and flight success. This role offers visibility across programs and opportunities to shape propulsion technology.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Design, analyze, test, fly, and refly propulsion hardware to ensure readiness and flight success.
• Develop and execute test plans, qualification and acceptance testing, post-test data reviews.
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines to optimize performance, reliability and manufacturability.
• Generate high-level plans, prioritize tasks, mentor engineers, and coordinate with manufacturing and vehicle operations.

Skills

Rocket propulsion knowledge

Rocket engine testing

Data analysis

Education

B.S. in mechanical/aerospace engineering

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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

Rocket Lab's Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron's structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron's launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time.

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 each part of the engine lifecycle.

Please note: This position can be hired as a Senior Propulsion Engineer I, Senior Propulsion Engineer II or Principal Propulsion Level.

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.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE 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.

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.

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.

Important information

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. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

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 do not 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.