Propulsion Design Engineer II

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

Rocket Lab’s Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron’s structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron’s launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time.

Based out of Rocket Lab's our headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Propulsion Design Engineer is responsible for the design of engine components (combustion chambers, turbo machinery, engine layout, etc.) for the Archimedes Engine. In this role you’ll have the opportunity to design, analyze and build hardware. You will support the Neutron and Archimedes teams with deliverables required to facilitate engine development and advance the program forward.

• Work with technical subject matter experts to design engine systems to meet performance, quality and manufacturability requirements.
• Develop and own mechanical design solutions for propulsion systems.
• Perform trade studies and design reviews with analysts, manufacturing engineers and subject matter experts from concept to production.
• Work with internal and external fabrication teams to bring hardware from design to fruition

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineeringor related field
• 2+ years of experience in relevant engineering field.
• Strong foundation in heat transfer, fluids and structural mechanics.
• Proficiency in finite element analysis using ANSYS Workbench or similar packages.
• Mastery of mechanical design principles.
• Strong understanding of design for manufacturing and GD&T principles.
• Prior experience developing and maintaining engineering design best practices
• Prior experience developing parts, assemblies or systems from concept to production.

• High proficiency in GD&T.
• Proficiency in using ANSYS Workbench
• Proficiency in using StarCCM+ or similar CFD software packages.
• Prior experience with design of additively manufactured rocket engine components.
• Experience with propulsion systems design, analysis, test, operations, and/or manufacturing
• Experience with best practices for design, qualification and production of aerospace hardware.
• Experience working in a fast-paced development program.

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

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay,
you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package
, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge…