Propulsion Components Engineer II

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive aerospace company offering launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more — all aimed at expanding access to space. Our launch vehicles and satellites support diverse space missions including scientific research, Earth observation, climate change initiatives, national security, and technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket ranks as the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, delivering over 230 satellites to orbit. We are also developing the medium-lift reusable Neutron vehicle for larger satellite constellations. Our Space Systems division designs and manufactures satellites, payloads, and components, with spacecraft selected for NASA Moon and Mars missions and hardware used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Space Systems Propulsion Team

This team handles complete lifecycle development and delivery of qualified space vehicle propulsion systems, including components and subsystems. Past projects include the Curie and HyperCurie engines and spacecraft propulsion for ESCAPADE, Winnebago, and Victus Haze. Current work focuses on new Electric (Gauss) and chemical propulsion technologies.

The team combines engineering and technical expertise across systems engineering, design, build, testing, and operations, providing full ownership from requirements through flight hardware operation. They collaborate with company-wide stakeholders such as GNC, Manufacturing, Flight Software, Thermal, and Structures teams.

Role Overview

The Propulsion Components Engineer II will lead the design and development of fluid system components for spacecraft propulsion, managing projects from concept to flight. Responsibilities include CAD design, prototype testing, procurement support, design reviews, systems engineering, stakeholder communication, and project scheduling. Mentorship and technical leadership are key aspects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new or existing propulsion system products, ensuring end-to-end progress.
• Create conceptual and detailed CAD designs for propulsion components, supported by analysis and calculations.
• Develop and test prototypes, support hardware procurement and production, encompassing flight hardware and related tooling.
• Review and approve team members’ technical drawings, reports, and specifications.
• Perform systems engineering tasks including requirements gathering and stakeholder liaison.
• Manage project schedules, assess risks and priorities, and allocate tasks.
• Provide mentorship and coaching on technical and professional development.

Qualifications

• Strong enthusiasm for engineering, curiosity, and eagerness to learn.
• Engineering degree and at least four years of propulsion development or a comparable high-performance engineering background.
• Experience with fluid system components like valves and regulators.
• Proven track record in end-to-end development — requirements, design, qualification, production, and testing.
• Proficient in mechanical CAD design tools such as NX (preferred) or similar, and PLM systems like Teamcenter.
• Practical hands-on engineering experience.
• Ability and willingness to take accountability for design reviews and approving production parts.
• Comfortable working with uncertainty, making engineering decisions based on principles, data, and risk evaluation.

Additional Desired Skills

• Experience leading projects, planning schedules, and delivering technical goals.
• Test engineering expertise including writing test plans, instrumentation, conducting tests, data analysis, and reporting.
• Competency with Python for data processing and post-test analysis.

Work Environment

Expect extended periods of sitting, standing, and walking, performing computer tasks, and occasional exposure to moderate noise, dust, and fumes in production settings.

Diversity and Inclusion

Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected characteristics. All employment terms and conditions follow this inclusive policy.

Important Compliance Information

Applicants working in New Zealand offices will undergo background and nationality checks due to U.S. export controls under ITAR regulations. Eligibility requires citizenship or equivalent status in Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, NATO countries, or as otherwise stipulated. Ineligibility may apply based on citizenship status.