Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Engineer I Verified today

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, and satellite components. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars.

The Role

We're seeking a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Engineer I for our propulsion engineering team in Long Beach, CA. You will own system-level and component-level development of space systems propulsion and fluidic systems, leading cutting-edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers.

What You'll Do

• Own development of new or existing propulsion products or systems, acting as technical lead through end-to-end development
• Perform conceptual and detailed performance calculations, systems modelling, analysis, and system designs
• Gather, define, and manage requirements
• Lead systems engineering activities and guide the team through technical challenges
• Plan and execute testing, instrumentation, and data analysis
• Communicate with internal and external project stakeholders
• Make technical risk-based decisions to identify optimal engineering solutions
• Manage project schedules, prioritise tasks, assign work to engineers and technicians, and report status 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

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, or other technical discipline
• 5+ years of experience in propulsion system development or other high-performance field
• US citizenship required due to program requirements
• Expertise in propulsion system modelling, static and transient analysis, and model validation using software such as Amesim, EcosimPro, Simulink, or Simscape
• Experience with end-to-end development including requirements, detailed design, qualification, production, and acceptance testing
• Experience with all steps in the Systems Engineering V and risk-based decision making
• Experience working on propulsion systems utilising different storable propellants, such as electrical and chemical

Preferred Qualifications

• Genuine passion for engineering and curiosity with willingness to learn
• Demonstrated hands-on engineering skills inside or outside the workplace
• Comfortable working with high levels of ambiguity
• Ability to make decisions using basic engineering principles, literature, standards, technical risk assessments, test data, and physics-based models
• Experience identifying necessary steps to achieve technical goals, scheduling them in a plan, and managing delivery
• Experience with Jama
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work well in a team environment
• Python capabilities for data manipulation and post-processing
• Detailed mechanical design experience using NX (preferred) or equivalent CAD software
• Experience with GD&T and engineering drawings
• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management software such as Teamcenter (preferred), Windchill, or similar
• Experience with National Instruments data acquisition systems
• Experience testing and troubleshooting flight hardware
• Master's or PhD degree

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary range (CA only): $115,000 to $158,000 USD. Level and base salary determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is one component of total rewards. Employees may also receive company equity and benefits including: top tier medical HMO, PPO, and 100% company-sponsored medical HSA option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts. Eligibility varies by employment status.

Work Environment

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.