Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer I Verified today
Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer I
Join Rocket Lab's propulsion engineering team in Long Beach, CA. You will plan, prepare for, and execute engine and propulsion component testing, owning the test facility, equipment, and test operations. Your work directly enables the success of our missions and products, from development and qualification through production testing.
What you will do
- Own the full testing lifecycle: planning, setup, instrumentation, execution, data analysis, and reporting
- Set and maintain best practices for all aspects of testing across the team
- Review and sign off on test plans and test reports for quality and compliance
- Provide guidance, training, mentorship, and technical leadership on testing methodologies
- Support engineers and leadership with risk-based decision making on development challenges
- Apply systems engineering mindset to testing activities, integrating with broader engineering efforts
- Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
- Define, document, and uphold standards of excellence through training and review
Required 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 discipline)
- Prior work on engine test facilities and hands-on experience hot fire testing liquid rocket engines
- Experience with instrumentation, test operation, and data analysis
- Expertise in instrumentation, automation, and data acquisition using National Instruments or Beckhoff PLC
- Ability to travel to test facilities and work off-site for extended periods
Desirable qualifications
- Experience with hypergolic propellants or design and maintenance of flight or GSE systems for hypergolic service
- Strong understanding of aerospace testing methods: random vibration, shock, thermal cycle, thermal vacuum, helium leak, accelerated life, and margined performance testing
- Track record of successfully investigating and resolving root causes of anomalies during testing or flight
- Experience obtaining government approvals through NEPA, permitting, or similar processes
- Technical project management and systems engineering fundamentals
- Python capabilities for data manipulation and post-processing
- Experience with 1D fluid system modelling
- Master's or PhD in engineering
Compensation and benefits
Base salary range (CA): $115,000 - $158,000 USD, determined on a case-by-case basis based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
Benefits include medical (HMO, PPO, HSA), dental, vision, 3 weeks paid vacation, 5 days sick leave, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care savings, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) with company match, employee stock purchase program, EV charging subsidies, onsite gym, and food discounts.
Work environment
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.