Propulsion Engineer I, Engine Systems

About the role

The Propulsion Engineer I, Engine Systems plays a critical role in the development, testing, and operation of the Archimedes Engine family, a cornerstone of the Neutron rocket program. This role involves ownership of engine subsystems, test campaigns, data analysis, and refining designs for reliability and vehicle operations, while driving system architecture trades, managing interfaces, and optimizing requirements for the vehicle.

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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
• Strong fundamental understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and cryogenic systems.
• Fundamental understanding of mechanical design principles.

Desired Qualifications

• 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.

What to Expect

We are on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information

• FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
  • To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.
• FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:
  • For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
  • Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.

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.

Apply for this job here.