Propulsion Components Engineer I/II
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_on22392, Bonita Street, Watson Industrial Center, Keystone, Carson, Los Angeles County, California, 90745, United States
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company dedicated to opening access to space. We deliver responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, and satellite components. Our work enables ambitious global missions supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate change combat, national security, and new technology demonstrations.
Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, delivering over 230 satellites to orbit. Simultaneously, we are developing Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle designed for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds extensive lines of satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft selected for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
About the Space Systems Team
At Rocket Lab, we are not just launching rockets—we are building the future of space. Our Space Systems team constructs everything from complete spacecraft and precision payloads to the critical components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, such as solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios.
The team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration and in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. We have built spacecraft, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, working with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it is a single high-performance spacecraft, a constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space, our world-class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.
The Role
We are seeking a Propulsion Components Engineer I/II for our propulsion engineering team based in Long Beach, CA. As a Propulsion Components Engineer, you will own system-level and component-level responsibilities for space systems propulsion and fluidic development. These teams support our Space Systems division and lead cutting-edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers.
Our Culture
We are on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth. This is not an easy task; it requires 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.
Equal Opportunity & Compliance
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, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
U.S. Candidates: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce.
New Zealand Candidates: For security reasons, background checks including nationality checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers. Eligibility is required to access equipment and data regulated by ITAR.
Accommodations: Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.
Work location
Work model: On-site
22392, Bonita Street, Watson Industrial Center, Keystone, Carson, Los Angeles County, California, 90745, United States
Carson, California
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleLead end-to-end development of propulsion system components and products
- check_circlePerform conceptual and detailed CAD designs for propulsion system components
- check_circleReview and approve engineering drawings, 3D PMI, reports, and specifications
- check_circleMake technical risk-based decisions to resolve engineering challenges
- check_circleConduct performance calculations and engineering analysis for fluidic systems
- check_circlePlan, execute, and analyze data for propulsion system testing and instrumentation
- check_circleDefine team standards through documentation, training, and work reviews
- check_circleMentor team members on technical skills and professional development
- check_circleContribute to the development and documentation of engineering processes
Requirements
- verifiedBachelor's degree in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or other technical engineering discipline)
- verified2+ years of experience in propulsion system development (for Engineer II level)
- verifiedUS citizenship or lawful permanent resident status required for ITAR compliance
- verifiedWillingness to obtain a security clearance required
Nice to Have
A genuine passion for engineering, curious mindset, and willingness to learn. Detailed mechanical design experience using NX or equivalent industry standard CAD software. Experience with Product Lifecycle Management software such as Teamcenter, Windchill, or similar. Comfortable working with high levels of ambiguity. Experience working on propulsion systems utilizing different storable propellants, such as electrical and chemical. Track record of design reviews and approving release of flight parts, qual reports and decisions for flight hardware. Experience developing requirement and verification sets, as well as writing test plans, performing testing, and writing test reports. Experience with end-to-end development process including gathering requirements, detailed design, qualification, production, and acceptance testing. Capabilities using Python for data manipulation and post-processing. Demonstrated hands on engineering skills, inside or outside the workplace. Hands-on integration and testing experience (ideally using NI equipment and software). Experience with GD&T and engineering drawings. Experience using National Instruments data acquisition systems. Experience with testing and troubleshooting flight hardware. Masters or PhD.
Benefits & Perks
check_circleTop tier medical HMO, PPO, and 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan optioncheck_circleDental and vision coveragecheck_circle3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per yearcheck_circle11 paid holidays per yearFlexible spending and dependent care savings accounts
Similar Job Opportunities
Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Cad, NX, Teamcenter, Windchill, Python, Ni Equipment, Ni Software, National Instruments Data Acquisition Systems, GD&T, Product Lifecycle Management.
Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or other technical discipline) required; Master's degree preferred; PhD preferred.
Frequently asked questions about Propulsion Components Engineer I/II at Rocket Lab
What does a Propulsion Components Engineer I/II at Rocket Lab do?expand_more
Day-to-day, the Propulsion Components Engineer I/II at Rocket Lab will lead end-to-end development of propulsion system components and products; perform conceptual and detailed cad designs for propulsion system components; review and approve engineering drawings, 3d pmi, reports, and specifications; and make technical risk-based decisions to resolve engineering challenges.
What are the requirements for this Propulsion Components Engineer I/II role?expand_more
To qualify for the Propulsion Components Engineer I/II at Rocket Lab position, applicants should have: Bachelor's degree in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or other technical engineering discipline); 2+ years of experience in propulsion system development (for Engineer II level); US citizenship or lawful permanent resident status required for ITAR compliance; and Willingness to obtain a security clearance required.
Where is the Propulsion Components Engineer I/II role at Rocket Lab located?expand_more
Propulsion Components Engineer I/II at Rocket Lab is based in 22392, Bonita Street, Watson Industrial Center, Keystone, Carson, Los Angeles County, California, 90745, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Propulsion Components Engineer I/II job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
Rocket Lab has listed this Propulsion Components Engineer I/II role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Propulsion Components Engineer I/II role?expand_more
Propulsion Components Engineer I/II at Rocket Lab typically requires 2+ years of relevant experience at the mid level level.
What skills do you need for the Propulsion Components Engineer I/II role at Rocket Lab?expand_more
Key skills for Propulsion Components Engineer I/II at Rocket Lab include Cad; NX; Teamcenter; Windchill; Python; Ni Equipment; Ni Software; and National Instruments Data Acquisition Systems.
What education is required for Propulsion Components Engineer I/II at Rocket Lab?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Bachelor's degree in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or other technical discipline) required; Master's degree preferred; and PhD preferred.
What category does the Propulsion Components Engineer I/II role belong to?expand_more
Propulsion Components Engineer I/II at Rocket Lab is part of the engineering job category on Recrutus.