Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Components Engineer I

Rocket Lab Corporation; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 158,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Corporation in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Components Engineer I to own propulsion system development and component ownership. You will lead end-to-end design, CAD modeling, analysis, and test planning for space propulsion hardware within our Space Systems division.

The role requires 5+ years of propulsion experience and a Bachelor's in engineering. It offers collaboration with NASA/defense programs and a base salary in the California market with benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of propulsion system development.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics) required.
• Experience with NX CAD and PLM software such as Teamcenter or Windchill.
• US citizenship and willingness to obtain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Own development of propulsion components and guide end-to-end programs.
• Perform CAD design and calculations for propulsion system components.
• Review drawings, 3D PMI, reports and specifications for flight hardware.
• Plan tests, set up instrumentation, execute tests, and analyze data.
• Communicate with internal and external project stakeholders.
• Make risk-based technical decisions and manage project schedules and resources.
• Mentor teammates and maintain engineering standards and documentation.
• Contribute to Rocket Lab engineering processes and documentation.

Skills

Propulsion system development

CAD NX

PLM software (Teamcenter, Windchill)

Flight hardware design reviews

Systems engineering

Communication

Python for data

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics)

Master’s or PhD (nice to have)

Tools

NX CAD

Teamcenter

Windchill

Job description

Long Beach, CA

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment.

Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR SPACECRAFT PROPULSION COMPONENTS ENGINEER I

We are currently seeking a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Components Engineer I for our propulsion engineering team based out of Long Beach, CA. As a Propulsion Components Engineer, you are responsible for system-level and component-level ownership of space systems propulsion and fluidic development. These teams support our Space Systems division, and lead cutting-edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO

• Owning development of new or existing products or systems, acting as technical lead to guide team through end-to-end development process.
• Conceptual and detailed designs in CAD for propulsion system components as well as performance calculations, and analysis.
• Review and approval of others’ drawings, 3D PMI, reports, and specifications.
• Test planning, setup, instrumentation, execution, and data analysis.
• Communicating with project stakeholders internal and external to the team.
• Technical risk-based decision making to the right/best solution when faced with an engineering challenge.
• Project management including schedule building and maintenance, identifying top priority items, tasking of other engineers and technicians, and communication of status to leadership and other teams.
• Mentorship and coaching of people within the team on technical and professional development.
• Defining and maintaining standard of excellence for their team through documentation, training, coaching, and review of others’ work.
• Contributing to engineering process development and documentation at Rocket Lab related to areas of experience.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of experience in propulsion system development, or equivalent high-performance field
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or other technical engineering discipline)
• Detailed mechanical design experience using NX (preferred) or equivalent industry standard CAD software and Product Lifecycle Management software such as Teamcenter (preferred), Windchill, or similar
• Track record of design reviews and approving release of flight parts, qual reports and decisions for flight hardware
• Experience with end-to-end development process including gathering requirements, detailed design, qualification, production, and acceptance testing
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well within a team environment
• Hands-on integration and testing experience (ideally using NI equipment and software)
• Experience working on propulsion systems utilizing different storable propellants, such as electrical and chemical
• US citizenship and willingness to obtain a security clearance required, due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• A genuine passion for engineering, curious mindset, and willingness to learn
• Comfortable working with high levels of ambiguity. Makes decisions using basic engineering principles, available literature and standards, technical risk assessments, test data, and physics-based models
• Practice in identifying the necessary steps to achieve high level technical goals, scheduling them in a plan, and managing delivery against that plan
• Experience developing requirement and verification sets, as well as writing test plans, performing testing, and writing test reports
• Capabilities using Python for data manipulation and post-processing
• Demonstrated hands on engineering skills, inside or outside the workplace
• Detailed mechanical design experience using NX (preferred) or equivalent industry standard CAD software
• Experience with GD&T and engineering drawings
• Experience using Product Lifecycle Management software such as Teamcenter (preferred), Windchill, or similar
• Experience with testing and troubleshooting flight hardware
• Master's or PhD

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$115,000 - $158,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people