Lead, Propulsion Test Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket 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.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

LEAD, PROPULSION TEST ENGINEER - STENNIS TEST CENTER

As the Lead Propulsion Test Engineer you will be responsible for leading the team and engineering work for our Archimedes engine testing and ensuring we achieve functional requirements meet our desired quality and schedule. You will have the scope to direct the team's engineering efforts across multiple disciplines in the best interest of the company to ensure Archimedes’ success.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Lead and manage a multidisciplinary team of engineers and specialists responsible for conducting liquid rocket engine propulsion tests at the Stennis facility.
• Drive continuous improvement of site processes and procedures to increase test cadence, enhance test quality, and uphold the highest standards of site safety.
• Coordinate site schedules in collaboration with leadership from technician, ground support equipment (GSE), and other key site teams.
• Develop and enhance the test conductor and director training program to ensure consistent, high-frequency, and world-class engine testing operations.
• Serve as Test Director for critical Archimedes engine and component test campaigns.
• Partner with the propulsion design team to support requirements development and establish comprehensive test requirements and site test plans.
• Define requirements for new facility capabilities and support the activation and commissioning of new or upgraded test assets.
• Champion a strong safety culture for the test team and all test stand operations.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years experience in aerospace or aviation test environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, electrical engineering or a related technical field.
• Hands-on experience with propulsion systems, test stand operations, or fluid systems (cryogenics, high-pressure systems, etc.).
• Proven track record of leading a team to deliver complete and successful engineering projects from conception to operation.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Masters or PhD in an engineering discipline.
• Direct experience with liquid natural gas or liquid methane as a rocket propellant.
• Demonstrated excellence in leading a test program from concept to completion.
• Background of technical expertise in sub-component to full flight system testing.
• Software development for data acquisition and control systems.
• Working knowledge of complex IT systems associated with propulsion testing.

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

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re 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.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

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.