Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer I

Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer IAs a Senior Spacecraft Propulsion Test Engineer I for our propulsion engineering team based out of Long Beach, CA., your purpose will be to plan, prepare for, and execute engine and propulsion component testing. This includes ownership of the test facility, equipment, and test operations. You will play a critical role in successful development, qualification, and production testing, which directly results in the success of our missions and products. As part of the propulsion development team, you will be involved with engine and propulsion system development from cradle-to-grave, providing test-driven insights that improve the reliability, manufacturability, testability, and performance of our products.What You'll Get To Do:Set and maintain best practices for all aspects of testing, ensuring a high standard of excellence across the teamProvide guidance, training, mentorship, and technical leadership to team members on testing methodologies and processesReview and sign off on test plans and test reports, ensuring quality and compliance with requirementsSupport engineers and leadership with risk-based decision making to guide the team through development challengesOwn the full testing lifecycle, including test planning, setup, instrumentation, execution, data analysis, and reportingApply a systems engineering mindset to testing activities, integrating with broader engineering effortsCommunicate regularly and effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, both internal and external to the teamDefine, document, and uphold standards of excellence through training, coaching, and review of others' workContribute to meaningful, career-defining projects alongside exceptional colleagues in a collaborative environmentYou'll Bring These Qualifications:5+ years of experience in rocket engine test engineering, or equivalent high-performance fieldBachelor's degree in engineering, (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or other technical engineering discipline)Ability to travel to test facilities and work off-site for extended periodsPrior work on engine test facilities and experience hot fire testing liquid rocket engines, including instrumentation, test operation, and data analysisExpertise in instrumentation, automation, and data acquisition using either National Instruments or Beckhoff PLCThese Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:Experience working with hypergolic propellants, or experience designing, building, or maintaining flight or GSE systems for hypergolic propellant serviceExcited by the opportunity to establish a new capability for Rocket Lab and the countryGreat communication skills and the ability to lead a team to execute a technical project. This requires an understanding of the fundamentals of technical project management and systems engineering to manage interfaces and deliverables across all teams involvedGenuine passion for engineering, strong attention to detail, and an eagerness to learnExcellent documentation and organization of engineering information, including test plans, test reports, facility configuration management, etc.Track record of successfully investigating and resolving the root causes of anomalies during testing or flightStrong understanding of standard aerospace testing including random vibration, shock, thermal cycle, thermal vacuum, helium leak, accelerated life, and margined performance testingExperience with getting government approvals through NEPA, permitting, or similar processes for construction, industrial, or test operationsCapabilities using Python for data manipulation and post-processingExperience with 1D fluid system modellingMaster's or PhDThis 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.Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts. Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.Base Pay Range (CA Only)$115,000 - $158,000 USDWhat To ExpectWe'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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. 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.