Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer - Build Future

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

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer II to plan, prepare, and execute engine and propulsion component testing. You will own the test facility, equipment, and test operations to support development, qualification, and production testing.

The role provides hands-on leadership, opportunity to influence reliability and performance, and collaboration with a world-class team on missions from Moon to beyond. Travel to test facilities is expected.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in rocket engine test engineering or equivalent high-performance field.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or related).
• Ability to travel to test facilities and work off-site for extended periods.
• Experience with engine test facilities and hot fire testing of liquid rocket engines, including instrumentation and data analysis.

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

Test engineering leadership

Data analysis

Instrumentation & data acquisition

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

National Instruments

Beckhoff PLC

Job description

Rocket Lab in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer II to plan, prepare, and execute engine and propulsion component testing. You will own the test facility, equipment, and test operations to support development, qualification, and production testing.

The role provides hands-on leadership, opportunity to influence reliability and performance, and collaboration with a world-class team on missions from Moon to beyond. Travel to test facilities is expected.