Senior Propulsion Design Engineer I
Rocket Lab Corporation· Aerospace & Defense· Sep 2, 2026 · 2mo ago
Long Beach, CA
In office
Full-time
Senior
$137K–$186K est.
5+ years exp
Job description
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
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.
NEUTRON
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.
SENIOR PROPULSION DESIGN ENGINEER I
Based out of Rocket Lab's our headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Senior Propulsion Design Engineer is responsible for the design of engine components (combustion chambers, turbo machinery, engine layout, etc.) for the Archimedes Engine. In this role you’ll have the opportunity to design, analyze and build hardware. You will support the Neutron and Archimedes teams with deliverables required to facilitate engine development and advance the program forward.
WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:
Work with technical subject matter experts to design engine systems to meet performance, quality and manufacturability requirements.
Develop and own mechanical design solutions for propulsion systems.
Perform trade studies and design reviews with analysts, manufacturing engineers and subject matter experts from concept to production.
Work with internal and external fabrication teams to bring hardware from design to fruition
QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SENIOR PROPULSION DESIGN ENGINEER I:
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related field
5+ years of experience in relevant engineering field.
Strong foundation in heat transfer, fluids and structural mechanics.
Proficiency in finite element analysis using ANSYS Workbench or similar packages.
Mastery of mechanical design principles.
Strong understanding of design for manufacturing and GD&T principles.
Prior experience developing and maintaining engineering design best practices
Prior experience developing parts, assemblies or systems from concept to production.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
High proficiency in GD&T.
Proficiency in using ANSYS Workbench
Proficiency in using StarCCM+ or similar CFD software packages.
Prior experience with design of additively manufactured rocket engine components.
Experience with propulsion systems design, analysis, test, operations, and/or manufacturing
Experience with best practices for design, qualification and production of aerospace hardware.
Experience working in a fast-paced development program.
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
Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.
Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package , giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.
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. Total Compensation (base and equity) $135,475 — $208,475 USD Base Salary $115,200 — $172,800 USD 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 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.
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Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)
Parental Leave