Senior Propulsion Design Engineer I — Neutron Engine Hardware

Rocket Lab USA; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 173,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Purchase Program (15%{

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA in Long Beach, CA seeks a Senior Propulsion Design Engineer I to design engine components for Archimedes and Neutron programs. You will analyze and build hardware, support design-to-production, and work with internal and external teams to turn concepts into flight-ready hardware.

The role emphasizes mechanical design, FEA, and manufacturing considerations, with a strong benefits package and equity as part of total compensation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of engineering experience in propulsion or related field.
• Strong foundation in heat transfer, fluids and structural mechanics.
• Proficiency in finite element analysis using ANSYS Workbench or similar.
• Understanding of design for manufacturing and GD&T principles.

Responsibilities

• Work with SMEs to design engine systems to meet performance, quality and manufacturability requirements.
• Develop and own mechanical design solutions for propulsion systems.
• Perform trade studies and design reviews from concept to production.
• Collaborate with fabrication teams to bring hardware from design to fruition.

Skills

5+ years engineering experience

Heat transfer

Fluids

Structural mechanics

Finite element analysis

Design for manufacturing

GD&T

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or related field

Tools

ANSYS Workbench

StarCCM+

Job description

Rocket Lab USA in Long Beach, CA seeks a Senior Propulsion Design Engineer I to design engine components for Archimedes and Neutron programs. You will analyze and build hardware, support design-to-production, and work with internal and external teams to turn concepts into flight-ready hardware.

The role emphasizes mechanical design, FEA, and manufacturing considerations, with a strong benefits package and equity as part of total compensation.