Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Engineer II - Secret Clearance

ABOUT ROCKET LABRocket 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.

SPACE SYSTEMSAt Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft, precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration, in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR SPACECRAFT PROPULSION SYSTEMS ENGINEER II - SECRET CLEARANCEWe're seeking a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Systems Engineer II for our propulsion engineering team based out of Long Beach, CA. As a Senior Propulsion Systems Engineer, you are 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.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

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 the right/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 standard of excellence for their 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 YOU’LL BRING THESE

QUALIFICATIONS:

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 US citizenship is required, due to program requirements

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 and risk-based decision making

Experience working on propulsion systems utilizing different storable propellants, such as electrical and…