Senior Propulsion Engineer — Archimedes Engine Lead

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

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.