Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Systems 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. Our Electron rocket has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. We are developing Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift reusable launch vehicle. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft selected for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

The Role

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

What You'll Do

• Own development of new or existing products or systems, acting as technical lead to guide teams through end-to-end development
• Conduct conceptual and detailed performance calculations, systems modelling, analysis, and system designs
• Gather, define, and manage requirements
• Lead systems engineering activities within the team
• Plan, set up, and execute tests; analyse instrumentation and data
• Communicate with project stakeholders internal and external to the team
• Make technical risk-based decisions when facing engineering challenges
• Manage projects including schedule building, identifying priorities, tasking engineers and technicians, and reporting status to leadership
• Mentor and coach team members on technical and professional development
• Define and maintain standards of excellence 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, mechanical, mechatronics, or other technical engineering discipline
• 8+ 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 gathering, detailed design, qualification, production, and acceptance testing
• Experience with all steps in the Systems Engineering V and risk-based decision making
• Experience with propulsion systems using different storable propellants, including electrical and chemical

Desirable Qualifications

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

Compensation and Benefits

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

Benefits include: medical HMO, PPO, and 100% company-sponsored HSA plan 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.

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.

Important Information

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (Green Card holder), admitted as a refugee, or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or Department of Commerce.