Senior Propulsion Systems Engineer I​/II - Secret Clearance

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, national security and 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, while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment.

The Space Systems business designs and builds an extensive line of satellites, payloads and components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Location:

Long Beach, CA. 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.

• Own development of new or existing products or systems, acting as technical lead to guide the team through the end‑to‑end development process.
• Perform conceptual and detailed performance calculations, systems modelling, analysis, and system designs.
• Gather, define, and manage requirements.
• Conduct systems engineering activities and leadership within the team.
• Plan and execute test planning, setup, instrumentation, execution, and data analysis.
• Communicate with project stakeholders internal and external to the team.
• Make technical risk‑based decisions to the best solution when faced with an engineering challenge.
• Project manage including schedule building and maintenance, identifying top priority items, tasking other engineers and technicians, and communicating status to leadership and other teams.
• Mentor and coach team members on technical and professional development.
• Define and maintain standards of excellence for the team through documentation, training, coaching, and review of others’ work.
• Contribute 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 discipline).
• 5+ years of experience in propulsion system development or other high‑performance field.
• Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility.
• United States citizenship required.
• Expertise in propulsion system modelling, static and transient analysis, and model validation using test data software such as Amesim, Ecosim Pro, Simulink, or Simscape.
• Experience with end‑to‑end development process, including gathering requirements, detailed design, qualification, production, and acceptance testing.
• Experience with all steps in the Systems Engineering V cycle and risk‑based decision making.
• Experience working on propulsion systems utilizing different storable propellants, such as electrical and chemical.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or other technical discipline).
• 8+ years of experience in propulsion system development or other high‑performance field.
• Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility.
• United States citizenship required.
• Expertise in propulsion system modelling, static and transient analysis, and model validation using test data software such as Amesim, Ecosim Pro, Simulink, or Simscape.
• Experience with end‑to‑end development process, including gathering requirements, detailed design, qualification, production, and acceptance testing.
• Experience with all steps in the Systems Engineering V cycle and risk‑based decision making.
• Experience working on propulsion systems utilizing different storable propellants, such as electrical and chemical.

• A genuine passion for engineering, curious mindset, and willingness to learn.
• Demonstrated hands‑on engineering skills, inside or outside the workplace.
• Comfor…