Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer — Lab Leader

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

Benefits offered by this job

Employee stock purchase program

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Paid vacation and holidays

Onsite fitness centers (where allowed)

Discounts on Rocket Lab merch store

EV charging subsidies

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer I in Long Beach, CA to plan, prepare for, and execute engine and propulsion component testing, owning the test facility and lifecycle from cradle-to-grave.

You will drive test plans, instrumentation, data analysis, and reporting while leading a team to achieve high standards of excellence in propulsion development and qualification.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in rocket engine test engineering, or equivalent high-performance field.
• 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 test engineering

Instrumentation

Data analysis

Test planning

Systems engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or other technical engineering discipline)

Tools

National Instruments

Beckhoff PLC

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer I in Long Beach, CA to plan, prepare for, and execute engine and propulsion component testing, owning the test facility and lifecycle from cradle-to-grave.

You will drive test plans, instrumentation, data analysis, and reporting while leading a team to achieve high standards of excellence in propulsion development and qualification.