Propulsion Design Engineer II

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 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.

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 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.

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost‑effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re‑usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

Based out of Rocket Lab’s 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.

Please note:

this position can be hired at the Propulsion Design Engineer II or Senior Propulsion Design Engineer I level.

• 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 engineering or 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.
• Fundamental understanding of mechanical design principles.
• Fundamental understanding of design for manufacturing and GD&T principles.

• 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.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral…