Senior / Principal Propulsion Engineer
$116k/y-$225k/y
Rocket Lab2 days ago
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OnsiteFull-timeSenior
Summary
Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior / Principal Propulsion Engineer to join their team in Long Beach, CA. The role involves the development, testing, and operation of the Archimedes Engine family for the Neutron rocket program.
About the Role
As a Senior/Principal Propulsion Engineer, you will take ownership of subsystems and engine operation, driving design, analysis, testing, and operational readiness. You will execute testing campaigns, analyze data, improve existing evaluation capability, and refine designs for reliability and vehicle operations. This role demands technical expertise, strong autonomy, and the ability to align teams and projects to achieve program goals.
About You
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations for Senior Engineer I, 8+ years for Senior Engineer II, and 12+ years for Principal Engineer.
- 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.
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, and other discounts.
Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab builds, launches, and operates rockets and spacecraft for our global customers. Our Electron launch vehicle is the world’s most frequently launched orbital small rocket, our HASTE rocket is progressing America’s hypersonic capabilities on suborbital missions, and our larger Neutron rocket is currently in development. From across the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures individual spacecraft components to entire satellites constellations for missions to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Long Beach, CA