Senior Propulsion Test Engineer I​/II

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 a goal of opening access to space.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, delivering more than 230 satellites to orbit. We are also developing Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. The Space Systems team designs and builds a broad portfolio of satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and parts used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

As a Senior Propulsion Test Engineer (I or II) for our propulsion engineering team based out of Long Beach, CA, your purpose is to plan, prepare for, and execute engine and propulsion component testing. You will own the test facility, equipment, and test operations, playing a critical role in the successful development, qualification, and production testing that directly supports our missions and products. You will participate from cradle‑to‑grave in engine and propulsion system development, providing test‑driven insights that improve reliability, manufacturability, testability, and performance.

• 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 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.

• 5 + years of experience in rocket engine test engineering or an equivalent high‑performance field.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or another technical engineering discipline).
• Ability to travel to test facilities and work off‑site for extended periods.
• Prior work on engine test facilities and experience in hot‑fire testing of liquid rocket engines, including instrumentation, test operation, and data analysis.
• Expertise in instrumentation, automation, and data acquisition using either National Instruments or Beckhoff PLC.

• 8 + years of experience in rocket engine test engineering or an equivalent high‑performance field.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or another technical engineering discipline).
• Ability to travel to test facilities and work off‑site for extended periods.
• Prior work on engine test facilities and experience in hot‑fire testing of liquid rocket engines, including instrumentation, test operation, and data analysis.
• Expertise in instrumentation, automation, and data acquisition using either National Instruments or Beckhoff PLC.

• Experience with hypergolic propellants or designing, building, or maintaining flight or GSE systems for hypergolic propellant service.
• Excitement about establishing a new capability for Rocket Lab and the country.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to lead a team in executing technical projects, with an understanding of fundamentals of technical project management and systems engineering.
• Genuine passion for engineering, strong attention to detail, and eagerness to learn.
• Excellent documentation and organization of engineering information, including test plans, test reports,…