Principal Electric 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 to 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 rockethas 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.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab were not just launching rockets were building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space like solar panels flight software star trackers optical systems separation systems radios and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has 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 its a single high-performance spacecraft 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.

PRINCIPAL ELECTRIC PROPULSION ENGINEER

Were currently seeking a Principal Electric Propulsion Engineer for our propulsion engineering team based out of Long Beach CA. As an Electric Propulsion Engineer you are responsible for system-level and component-level ownership of space systems propulsion and fluidic development. These teams support our Space Systems division and lead cutting-edge programs for civil commercial and defense customers.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Own development of new or existing products or systems acting as technical lead to guide team through end-to-end development process
• Conceptualand detailed performancecalculationssystems modellinganalysis and system designs
• Requirements gathering definition and management
• Systems engineering activities and leadership within the team
• Testplanning setup instrumentation execution and data analysis
• Communicate with project stakeholders internal and external to the team
• Technical risk-based decision makingtotheright/bestsolutionwhenfacedwithan engineering challenge
• Project management including: schedule building and maintenanceidentifyingtop priority itemstasking ofother engineers and technicians and communication of status to leadershipand other teams
• Mentor and coach people within the team on technical and professionaldevelopment
• Define and maintainstandardofexcellencefortheirteam through documentation training coaching and review of others work
• Contribute to engineering process developmentanddocumentationat Rocket Lab related to areas of experience

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• 12 years of experience in propulsion system development or equivalent high-performance field
• Bachelors degree in engineering (aerospace mechanicalmechatronicsor other technical engineering discipline)
• Expertise inpropulsion system modellingstatic and transientanalysis and model validation using test datausingsoftware such asAmesim EcosimProSimulink or Simscape
• Experience withend-to-enddevelopment processincludinggatheringrequirementsdetailed designqualificationproductionand acceptance testing
• Strong grasp of all steps in the Systems Engineering V and risk-based decision making
• Experience working onelectricpropulsion systems
• U.S. citizenshipis required due to program requirements
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• A genuine passion for engineering curious mindset and willingness to learn
• Comfortable working with high levels of ambiguity
• Makes decisions using basic engineering principles available literature and standards technical risk assessments test data and physics-based models
• Practice inidentifying the necessary steps to achieve high level technical goals scheduling them in a plan and managing delivery againstthat plan
• Experience with Jama
• Capabilities using Python for data manipulation and post-processing
• Detailed mechanical design experience usingNX (preferred)orequivalent industry standard CADsoftware
• Experience with GD&T and engineering drawings
• Experience using Product Lifecycle Management software such as Teamcenter (preferred) Windchill or similar
• Experience using National Instruments data acquisition systems
• Experience with testing and troubleshooting flight hardware
• Masters or PhD
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well within a team environment
• Demonstrated hands on engineering skills inside or outside the workplace

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

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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.