Senior Propulsion Engineer - Archimedes Engine Lead

Rocket Lab; Diamondhead (MS); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab's Neutron team is seeking a Senior/Principal Propulsion Engineer to own subsystems and engine operation for the Archimedes family, driving design, testing, and deployment to readiness.

You will execute testing campaigns, analyze data, and refine designs for reliability while aligning teams across engineering, manufacturing, and vehicle operations. Mentorship and cross‑functional collaboration are core parts of the role.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Rocket engine development

Test data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering

Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering

Tools

engine P&IDs

fluid system routing

Job description

Rocket Lab's Neutron team is seeking a Senior/Principal Propulsion Engineer to own subsystems and engine operation for the Archimedes family, driving design, testing, and deployment to readiness.

You will execute testing campaigns, analyze data, and refine designs for reliability while aligning teams across engineering, manufacturing, and vehicle operations. Mentorship and cross‑functional collaboration are core parts of the role.