Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer II Seen this week

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 become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. The company is developing Neutron, an upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars.

The Role

As Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer II for our propulsion engineering team in Long Beach, CA, you will plan, prepare for, and execute engine and propulsion component testing. You will own the test facility, equipment, and test operations. You play a critical role in successful development, qualification, and production testing that directly results in mission and product success. You will be involved with engine and propulsion system development from cradle-to-grave, providing test-driven insights that improve reliability, manufacturability, testability, and performance.

What You'll Do

• Set and maintain best practices for all aspects of testing, ensuring high standards 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

Required Qualifications

• 8+ 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with hypergolic propellants, or experience designing, building, or maintaining flight or GSE systems for hypergolic propellant service
• Great communication skills and the ability to lead a team to execute a technical project, including understanding of technical project management and systems engineering
• Genuine passion for engineering, strong attention to detail, and an eagerness to learn
• Excellent documentation and organization of engineering information, including test plans, test reports, facility configuration management
• Track record of successfully investigating and resolving the root causes of anomalies during testing or flight
• Strong understanding of standard aerospace testing including random vibration, shock, thermal cycle, thermal vacuum, helium leak, accelerated life, and margined performance testing
• Experience with getting government approvals through NEPA, permitting, or similar processes for construction, industrial, or test operations
• Capabilities using Python for data manipulation and post-processing
• Experience with 1D fluid system modelling
• Master's or PhD

Compensation and Benefits

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

Base salary is one component of our total rewards package. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO, and 100% company-sponsored medical 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 insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Working Conditions

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