Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Engineer II

Rocket Lab Corp.; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Corp. in Long Beach, CA, is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Engineer II to lead propulsion system development for space missions and defense programs.

You will own system-level and component-level propulsion development, guiding design, analysis, and testing across disciplines. Join a fast-moving team delivering civil, commercial, and defense spacecraft with cutting-edge propulsion tech, leading technical teams and collaborating with partners to push the boundaries of

Qualifications

• Experience in propulsion subsystem development for spacecraft.
• Experience leading propulsion projects across teams and programs.
• U.S. citizenship or ability to obtain necessary clearances.

Responsibilities

• Own system-level and component-level propulsion development for space systems, acting as technical lead.

Skills

Propulsion systems

Systems engineering

Technical leadership

MATLAB/Simulink

Education

Bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering

MS or PhD preferred

Tools

CFD software

Job description

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

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 SYSTEMS ENGINEER II

We’re seeking aSenior Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Engineer II for our propulsion engineering team based out of Long Beach, CA. As a Senior Propulsion Systems 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