Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Components Engineer II Verified today

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more. The Electron rocket has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft selected for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars.

The Role

We are seeking a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Components Engineer II for our propulsion engineering team in Long Beach, CA. You will own system-level and component-level responsibility for space systems propulsion and fluidic development, supporting civil, commercial, and defense customers.

What You'll Do

• Own development of new or existing products or systems, acting as technical lead through the end-to-end development process
• Perform conceptual and detailed mechanical design using CAD for propulsion components, including performance calculations and analysis
• Review and approve drawings, 3D PMI, reports, and specifications from other engineers
• Plan, set up, execute, and analyze propulsion system tests and instrumentation
• Communicate with project stakeholders internally and externally
• Make technical risk-based decisions when facing engineering challenges
• Manage projects including schedule building, task prioritization, team coordination, and status reporting to leadership
• Mentor and coach team members on technical and professional development
• Define and maintain excellence standards through documentation, training, and review of others' work
• Contribute to engineering process development and documentation at Rocket Lab

What You'll Bring

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

Nice to Have

• Experience developing requirement and verification sets, test plans, and test reports
• Python capabilities for data manipulation and post-processing
• Demonstrated hands-on engineering skills inside or outside the workplace
• Experience with GD&T and engineering drawings
• Experience testing and troubleshooting flight hardware
• Master's or PhD degree

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range (California): $132,000 to $198,000 USD. Level and base salary determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

Benefits include: top-tier medical HMO and PPO with 100% company-sponsored HSA option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave annually, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) with company match, discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts. Eligibility varies by employment status.

Working Conditions

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.