Senior Propulsion Engineer I - Archimedes Engine Lead

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% %

Stock-based compensation

Top-tier medical plans

Dental and vision coverage

Paid vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays

Flexible spending accounts

Paid parental leave

Disability and life insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company  

Subsidized EV charging

Onsite fitness centers

Discounted gym memberships

Complimentary snacks and beverages

50% employee discount on merch

Other employee discounts

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer I to lead development, testing, and operation of the Archimedes Engine family for the Neutron program. You will own subsystems, drive design, analysis, testing, and readiness, while mentoring engineers and aligning teams across functions.

This role offers competitive base pay plus equity, and a comprehensive benefits package across medical, dental, vision, retirement, and wellbeing programs.

Qualifications

• 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 USA is seeking a Senior Propulsion Engineer I to lead development, testing, and operation of the Archimedes Engine family for the Neutron program. You will own subsystems, drive design, analysis, testing, and readiness, while mentoring engineers and aligning teams across functions.

This role offers competitive base pay plus equity, and a comprehensive benefits package across medical, dental, vision, retirement, and wellbeing programs.