Propulsion Systems Engineer I​/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 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, 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. We are also developing Neutron, a medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. The Space Systems team designs and builds extensive lines of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

We are currently seeking a Propulsion Systems Engineer I/II for our propulsion engineering team based out of Long Beach, CA. As a Propulsion Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for system‑level and component‑level ownership of space systems propulsion and fluidic development. These teams support our Space Systems division and lead cutting‑edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. (This position can be hired at either the Propulsion Systems Engineer I or Propulsion Systems Engineer II level.)

• Owning development of new or existing products or systems, acting as technical lead to guide team through end‑to‑end development process.
• Conceptual and detailed performance calculations, systems modelling, analysis, and system designs.
• Requirements gathering, definition, and management. Systems engineering activities and leadership within the team.
• Test planning, setup, instrumentation, execution, and data analysis.
• Communicating with project stakeholders internal and external to the team.
• Technical risk‑based decision making to find the best solution when faced with an engineering challenge.
• Project management including schedule building and maintenance, identifying top priority items, tasking of other engineers and technicians, and communication of status to leadership and other teams.
• Mentorship and coaching of people within the team on technical and professional development.
• Defining and maintaining standards of excellence for the team through documentation, training, coaching, and review of others’ work.
• Contributing to engineering process development and documentation at Rocket Lab related to areas of experience.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or other technical engineering discipline).
• Demonstrated hands‑on engineering skills, inside or outside the workplace.
• US citizenship and willingness to obtain a security clearance required, due to program requirements.

• 2+ years of experience in propulsion system development, or equivalent high‑performance field.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or other technical engineering discipline).
• Demonstrated hands‑on engineering skills, inside or outside the workplace.
• US citizenship and willingness to obtain a security clearance required, due to program requirements.

• A genuine passion for engineering, curious mindset, and willingness to learn.
• Comfortable working with high levels of ambiguity. Makes decisions using basic engineering principles, available literature and standards, technical risk assessments, test data, and physics‑based models.
• Expertise in propulsion system modelling, static and transient analysis, and model validation using test data with software such as Amesim, Ecosim Pro, Simulink, Simscape, or similar.
• Experience working on propulsion systems utilizing different storable propellants, such as electrical and chemical.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well within a team environment.
• Practice in identifying the necessary steps to…