Senior Propulsion Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Space Systems Propulsion team develops and delivers fully qualified, flight-ready spacecraft propulsion systems. The team owns systems end-to-end - from requirements definition and detailed design through qualification, integration, and on-orbit operations.

Past and current projects include Curie and HyperCurie engines, ESCAPADE, and the Victus Haze propulsion system. The team works hands-on with development, qualification, and flight hardware and collaborates closely with Manufacturing, GNC, Flight Software, Thermal, Structures, Production, and Operations teams.

THE ROLE

We are seeking a Senior Development Engineer to lead testing and development of spacecraft fluid components and systems. You will play a key role in designing, executing, and approving complex test programs while guiding development through technical challenges using sound engineering judgement and risk-based decision making.

This is a highly hands-on role requiring deep expertise in fluid system testing, strong systems thinking, and the ability to mentor others. You will influence design direction, testing standards, and development outcomes for critical space missions.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Plan, execute, analyse, and report on fluid component and system tests
• Review and approve test plans, procedures, and reports
• Design and develop test hardware, fixtures, and instrumentation
• Troubleshoot off-nominal behaviour and lead failure investigations
• Drive continuous improvement of test processes, equipment, and documentation
• Support production and operations through data review, quality reporting, and procedure review
• Mentor and guide engineers and technicians
• Collaborate across disciplines to resolve anomalies and improve designs
• Enable smooth transition of acceptance testing to production, including automation where required

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Required

• 5+ years' experience in propulsion systems or a high-performance engineering environment
• Hands-on experience testing pressurised gas or fluid systems
• Strong background in test instrumentation, control, and execution
• Experience with LabVIEW and National Instruments DAQ systems (or equivalent)
• Comfortable working in ambiguous, fast-paced development environments
• Strong engineering fundamentals and risk-based decision making

Desirable

• Python for data analysis and post-processing
• End-to-end development experience (requirements through production and acceptance testing)
• 1D fluid system modelling
• Master's or PhD in a relevant engineering discipline

Apply now and help build the systems that enable the future of space.

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 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.