Senior Propulsion Engineer I: Archimedes Engine

Rocket Lab Corporation; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 209,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grant

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Top-tier medical plans

Dental and vision coverage

Paid vacation and holidays

401(k) with company match

EV charging subsidy

Onsite fitness centers

Merch discount

Snacks and beverages

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer I for the Neutron program, leading design, testing, and operation of Archimedes engines across the life cycle. You will own subsystems, drive testing campaigns, analyze data, and improve evaluation capabilities while aligning cross-functional teams to program goals.

Your expertise includes rocket engine architecture, fluid dynamics, and cryogenics, with mentorship responsibilities and collaboration with manufacturing and test teams.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer I for the Neutron program, leading design, testing, and operation of Archimedes engines across the life cycle. You will own subsystems, drive testing campaigns, analyze data, and improve evaluation capabilities while aligning cross-functional teams to program goals.

Your expertise includes rocket engine architecture, fluid dynamics, and cryogenics, with mentorship responsibilities and collaboration with manufacturing and test teams.