Senior / Principal Propulsion Engineer (pipeline)

Senior / Principal Propulsion Engineer

Stennis Space Center, MS

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.

Rocket Lab's Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron's structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron's launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time.

As Senior/Principal Propulsion Engineer, you will play a critical role in the development, testing, and operation of the Archimedes Engine family, a cornerstone of the Neutron rocket program. You will take ownership of subsystems and engine operation, driving design, analysis, testing, and operational readiness. You will execute testing campaigns, analyze data, improve existing evaluation capability and refine designs for reliability and vehicle operations.

This role demands technical expertise, strong autonomy, and the ability to align teams and projects to achieve program goals. Principal Engineers will additionally drive value to teams outside their group, influencing cross-functional efforts and contributing to the broader success of the Neutron program.

What You'll Get To Do:

• Design, analyze, test, fly, and refly next generation propulsion hardware ensuring operational readiness and flight success.
• Develop and execute test plans, including qualification and acceptance testing, and conduct post-test data reviews to refine designs and processes.
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines to optimize engine performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Generate high-level plans and prioritize tasks across teams, resolving competing priorities and ensuring alignment with program goals.
• Mentor and guide engineers, fostering technical growth and collaboration.
• Work with manufacturing, testing and vehicle operation teams to support engine needs, operation, and resolve issues each part of the engine lifecycle.

Please note: This position can be hired as a Senior Propulsion Engineer I, Senior Propulsion Engineer II or Principal Propulsion Level.

You'll Bring These Qualifications As A Senior Propulsion Engineer I:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations.
• Strong technical understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, cryogenic systems, and rocket engine architecture.
• Familiarity with engine P&IDs, fluid system routing, and hotfire data reviews.

You'll Bring These Qualifications As A Senior Propulsion Engineer II:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations.
• Strong technical understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, cryogenic systems, and rocket engine architecture.
• Familiarity with engine P&IDs, fluid system routing, and hotfire data reviews.

You'll Bring These Qualifications As A Principal Propulsion Engineer:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
• 12+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations.
• Strong technical understanding of fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, cryogenic systems, and rocket engine architecture.
• Familiarity with engine P&IDs, fluid system routing, and hotfire data reviews.

These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:

• Advanced degree in a fluid mechanics-heavy field.
• Experience with ox-rich staged combustion systems and Methyl/LOX propellants.
• Background in failure analysis, combustion dynamics, turbopump mechanics, and hydraulics.
• Familiarity with reusable rocket engine systems and test/launch facility operations.
• Experience with best practices for design, qualification, and production.

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

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.