Rocket Lab · 1 day ago
Senior / Principal Propulsion Engineer
Long Beach, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$116K/yr - $225K/yr
5+ years expRocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services and spacecraft design. The Senior/Principal Propulsion Engineer will be critical in the development, testing, and operation of the Archimedes Engine family, ensuring operational readiness and driving design and analysis for the Neutron rocket program.
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 and execute test plans, including qualification and acceptance testing, and conduct post-test data reviews to refine designs and processes
Collaborate across engineering disciplines to optimize engine performance, reliability, and manufacturability
Generate high-level plans and prioritize tasks across teams, resolving competing priorities and ensuring alignment with program goals
Mentor and guide engineers, fostering technical growth and collaboration
Work with manufacturing, testing and vehicle operation teams to support engine needs, operation, and resolve issues each part of the engine lifecycle
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field
5+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations
Strong technical understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, cryogenic systems, and rocket engine architecture
Familiarity with engine P&IDs, fluid system routing, and hotfire data reviews
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field
8+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations
Strong technical understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, cryogenic systems, and rocket engine architecture
Familiarity with engine P&IDs, fluid system routing, and hotfire data reviews
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field
12+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations
Strong technical understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, cryogenic systems, and rocket engine architecture
Familiarity with engine P&IDs, fluid system routing, and hotfire data reviews
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
Experience with ox-rich staged combustion systems and Methyl/LOX propellants
Background in failure analysis, combustion dynamics, turbopump mechanics, and hydraulics
Familiarity with reusable rocket engine systems and test/launch facility operations
Experience with best practices for design, qualification, and production
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
Sherwood News
2026-01-07
2026-01-07
Company data provided by crunchbase