Senior Propulsion Engineer II — Archimedes Engine Lead

Rocket Lab USA; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 132,000 - 277,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock equity

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Medical plans

Dental and vision

401(k) with company match

EV charging

Onsite fitness centers

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA seeks a Senior Propulsion Engineer II to own propulsion subsystems of the Archimedes engine, driving design, analysis, testing, and operation for the Neutron program. You will lead cross-functional teams to ensure reliability and flight readiness.

You will mentor engineers, collaborate across disciplines, and contribute to the overall success of propulsion development, manufacturing, and launches with competitive base pay and equity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of 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 propulsion hardware ensuring operational readiness and flight success.
• Develop and execute test plans, including qualification and acceptance testing, and post-test data reviews.
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines to optimize engine performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Generate high-level plans and prioritize tasks across teams, resolving competing priorities.
• Mentor and guide engineers, fostering technical growth and collaboration.
• Work with manufacturing, testing and vehicle operation teams to support engine needs and lifecycle.

Skills

8+ years rocket experience

Engine design & testing

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering

Tools

P&IDs

Fluid routing

Hotfire data reviews

Job description

Rocket Lab USA seeks a Senior Propulsion Engineer II to own propulsion subsystems of the Archimedes engine, driving design, analysis, testing, and operation for the Neutron program. You will lead cross-functional teams to ensure reliability and flight readiness.

You will mentor engineers, collaborate across disciplines, and contribute to the overall success of propulsion development, manufacturing, and launches with competitive base pay and equity.