Rocket Lab · 3 days ago
Propulsion Engineer II - Engine Systems
Long Beach, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$100K/yr - $125K/yr
2+ years expRocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services and spacecraft design. The Propulsion Engineer II will play a critical role in the development and testing of the Archimedes Engine family, focusing on engine subsystems, data analysis, and collaboration across teams to ensure operational readiness.
AerospaceManufacturingSoftwareSpace Travel
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Design, analyze, test, fly, and refly next generation propulsion hardware ensuring operational readiness and flight success
Develop clear requirements and deliver validated designs and hardware that meet program milestones and flight requirements
Execute engine test plans, including performance validation and reliability testing, and conduct post-test data reviews to distill learnings and adjust test planning
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust integration, testing, and problem solving
Support flight operations, including engine acceptance and post-flight analysis
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field
2+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations
Strong technical understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and cryogenic systems
Fundamental understanding of mechanical design principles
Ability to travel to test and launch facilities (~25%)
Flexibility to work extended hours or weekends as needed
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise
Preferred
Advanced degree in a fluid mechanics-heavy field
Proven ability to conduct hotfire data reviews, identify blockers for testing, and ensure operational safety of engine systems
Experience with staged combustion rocket engines and Methyl/LOX propellant systems
Background in failure analysis, combustion dynamics, turbopump mechanics, and/or fluid systems analysis
Familiarity with reusable rocket engine systems and/or test/launch facility operations
Benefits
Top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option
Dental and vision coverage
3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year
11 paid holidays per year
Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts
Paid parental leave
Disability insurance
Life insurance
Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match
Discounted employee stock purchase program
Subsidized EV charging stations
Onsite gym
Food and drinks
Other discounts
Company
Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an aerospace company that provides launch services, spacecraft design, and manufacturing of satellite components.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$1.98BKey Investors
Canadian Space AgencyU.S. Department of CommerceTrinity Capital
2025-12-09Grant
2025-09-15Post Ipo Equity· $750M
2024-11-25Grant· $23.9M
Leadership Team
Adam Spice
Chief Financial Officer
Frank Klein
Chief Operations Officer
Recent News
2026-01-09
Company data provided by crunchbase