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 – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.
Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
SPACE SYSTEMS
At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.
Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.
SENIOR PROPULSION TEST ENGINEER I/II
As a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer I/II for our propulsion engineering team based out of Long Beach, CA., your purpose will be to plan, prepare for, and execute engine and propulsion component testing. This includes ownership of the test facility, equipment, and test operations. You will play a critical role in successful development, qualification, and production testing, which directly results in the success of our missions and products. As part of the propulsion development team, you will be involved with engine and propulsion system development from cradle-to-grave, providing test-driven insights that improve the reliability, manufacturability, testability, and performance of our products.
(Please note: this position can be hired at the Senior Propulsion Systems Engineer I or Senior Propulsion Systems Engineer II level)
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
- Set and maintain best practices for all aspects of testing, ensuring a high standard 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.
- Contribute to meaningful, career-defining projects alongside exceptional colleagues in a collaborative environment.
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS SENIOR PROPULSION TEST ENGINEER I:
- 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 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
YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS SENIOR PROPULSION TEST ENGINEER II:
- 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
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Experience working with hypergolic propellants, or experience designing, building, or maintaining flight or GSE systems for hypergolic propellant service
- Excited by the opportunity to establish a new capability for Rocket Lab and the country.
- Great communication skills and the ability to lead a team to execute a technical project. This requires an understanding of the fundamentals of technical project management and systems engineering to manage interfaces and deliverables across all teams involved.
- 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, etc.
- 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
- Masters or PhD
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.
Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 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, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.
Important information:
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [email protected] dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:
For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.
Skills Required
- 5+ years experience in rocket engine test engineering (Senior I)
- 8+ years experience in rocket engine test engineering (Senior II)
- Bachelor's degree in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or related)
- Ability to travel to test facilities and work off-site for extended periods
- Prior work on engine test facilities and hot fire testing of liquid rocket engines, including instrumentation, test operation, and data analysis
- Expertise in instrumentation, automation, and data acquisition using National Instruments or Beckhoff PLC
- Experience with hypergolic propellants or designing/maintaining flight or GSE systems for hypergolic service
- Experience obtaining government approvals (NEPA, permitting) for construction, industrial, or test operations
- Proficiency using Python for data manipulation and post-processing
- Experience with 1D fluid system modelling
- Strong documentation, test planning, and test reporting skills
- Track record investigating and resolving root causes of anomalies during testing or flight
- Understanding of standard aerospace testing (vibration, shock, thermal, thermal vacuum, helium leak, accelerated life, margined performance)
- Masters or PhD
Rocket Lab Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Rocket Lab and has not been reviewed or approved by Rocket Lab.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage with multiple plan options are offered, including a company‑sponsored HSA plan option and supportive ancillary benefits. These elements portray comprehensive healthcare support for U.S. roles.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — An employee stock purchase program with discounted share access and a look‑back feature, alongside eligibility for equity, is presented as a strong component of total rewards. This structure can meaningfully augment cash pay for those who value long‑term upside.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid vacation, sick time, holidays, and paid parental leave are included. These provisions indicate a complete time‑off offering for a midsize aerospace employer.
Rocket Lab Insights
What We Do
Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, spacecraft components, satellites and other spacecraft and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier and more affordable to access space. Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle and the Photon satellite platform and is developing the Neutron 8-ton payload class launch vehicle. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 100+ satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus. Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a second launch site in Virginia, USA which is expected to become operational in late 2022. To learn more, visit www.rocketlabusa.com.
