Senior Propulsion Engineer – Archimedes Engine Lead

Rocket Lab Corporation; United States; On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in the United States is seeking a Senior/Principal Propulsion Engineer to lead the Archimedes engine development, testing and operation for the Neutron program. You will own subsystems, drive design, analysis, testing and readiness for flight.

This role demands strong autonomy, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to mentor engineers while aligning teams to program goals across manufacturing, testing and vehicle operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• 5+ years 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 propulsion hardware, ensuring readiness.
• Develop and execute test plans, including qualification and acceptance testing, and review post-test data.

Skills

Propulsion engineering

Engine testing

Thermodynamics

Fluid dynamics

Team leadership

Education

Bachelors in ME/AE

Job description

Rocket Lab in the United States is seeking a Senior/Principal Propulsion Engineer to lead the Archimedes engine development, testing and operation for the Neutron program. You will own subsystems, drive design, analysis, testing and readiness for flight.

This role demands strong autonomy, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to mentor engineers while aligning teams to program goals across manufacturing, testing and vehicle operations.