Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Top-tier medical

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Onsite gym

Stock purchase program

EV charging stations

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer I to lead and execute high-precision engine and propulsion tests. You’ll own test facilities, conduct analyses, and drive test plans, reporting results to ensure mission success.

The role requires 5+ years in rocket engine testing, a relevant engineering degree, and ability to work on-site with occasional travel. Competitive salary with comprehensive benefits and ITAR compliance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in rocket engine test engineering.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or other technical engineering discipline).
• Ability to travel to test facilities and work off-site for extended periods.
• Prior work on engine test facilities and experience hot fire testing liquid rocket engines, including instrumentation, test operation, and data analysis.
• Expertise in instrumentation, automation, and data acquisition using either National Instruments or Beckhoff PLC.

Responsibilities

• Set and maintain best practices for all aspects of testing, ensuring a high standard of excellence across the team.
• Provide guidance, training, mentorship, and technical leadership to team members on testing methodologies and processes.
• Review and sign off on test plans and test reports, ensuring quality and compliance with requirements.
• Support engineers and leadership with risk-based decision making to guide the team through development challenges.
• Own the full testing lifecycle, including test planning, setup, instrumentation, execution, data analysis, and reporting.
• Apply a systems engineering mindset to testing activities, integrating with broader engineering efforts.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, both internal and external to the team.
• Define, document, and uphold standards of excellence through training, coaching, and review of others’ work.
• Contribute to meaningful, career-defining projects alongside exceptional colleagues in a collaborative environment

Skills

Rocket engine testing

Instrumentation

Data acquisition

Automation

Test planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering (aerospace/ME/mechatronics)

Engineering discipline degree

Tools

National Instruments

Beckhoff PLC

Job description

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer I to lead and execute high-precision engine and propulsion tests. You’ll own test facilities, conduct analyses, and drive test plans, reporting results to ensure mission success.

The role requires 5+ years in rocket engine testing, a relevant engineering degree, and ability to work on-site with occasional travel. Competitive salary with comprehensive benefits and ITAR compliance.