Senior / Principal Engine Systems Engineer at Rocket Lab USA

Long Beach, California, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Aerospace, SpaceIndustries

Requirements

Senior Engine Systems 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
Senior Engine Systems Engineer II:
8+ years of experience in rocket engine development, testing, or operations
Principal Engine Systems Engineer (implied additional):
Experience and capability to drive value to teams outside their group, influencing cross-functional efforts

Responsibilities

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
Take ownership of subsystems and engine operation, driving design, analysis, testing, and operational readiness
Execute testing campaigns, analyze data, improve existing evaluation capability and refine designs for reliability and vehicle operations

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Systems EngineeringPropulsion EngineeringEngine DesignEngine TestingData AnalysisRocket EnginesLiquid PropulsionTesting CampaignsOperational Readiness

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary range for the Senior/Principal Engine Systems Engineer role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

Is this Senior/Principal Engine Systems Engineer position remote or on-site?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What key skills are required for the Senior/Principal Engine Systems Engineer role?

The role requires technical expertise in engine systems and propulsion, strong autonomy, ability to align teams and projects, experience in design, analysis, testing, and execution of test plans. Principal level also involves influencing cross-functional efforts and mentoring engineers.

What is the team culture like at Rocket Lab for this role?

The role is part of a high performing team pushing boundaries with clean sheet development of a reusable liquid launch vehicle, emphasizing collaboration across disciplines, mentoring, and alignment to program goals.

What makes a strong candidate for the Senior/Principal Engine Systems Engineer position?

Strong candidates have technical expertise in propulsion systems, strong autonomy, experience driving design, analysis, testing, and operations, plus the ability to align teams, resolve priorities, collaborate cross-functionally, and mentor others at the Principal level.

Rocket Lab USA

Provides launch services and spacecraft solutions

About Rocket Lab USA

Rocket Lab provides comprehensive space solutions, including launch services, spacecraft components, and satellite management. Their main products are the Electron launch vehicle, which is designed for small satellite launches, and the Photon satellite platform, which supports various missions, including those for NASA. The Electron rocket has gained popularity, becoming the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket since its debut in 2018, successfully delivering over 100 satellites into orbit for various sectors. Rocket Lab differentiates itself from competitors by offering a streamlined approach to accessing space, with multiple launch sites and a focus on affordability and reliability. The company's goal is to make space more accessible and to support a wide range of missions, from national security to scientific exploration.

Long Beach, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2006Year Founded

$713.3MTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Robotics & Automation, Aerospace, DefenseIndustries

1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Flexible Spending Account

Company Equity

Wellness Program

Phone/Internet Stipend

Childcare Support

Gym Membership

Employee Discounts

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Professional Development Budget

Conference Attendance Budget

Flexible Work Hours

Hybrid Work Options

Risks

Increased competition from SpaceX as Rocket Lab develops the Neutron rocket.

Potential delays in Virginia launch site could impact schedules and revenue.

Reliance on New Zealand site poses risks from geopolitical tensions or natural disasters.

Differentiation

Rocket Lab's Electron is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually.

Photon platform supports NASA missions to the Moon, Mars, and private Venus missions.

Neutron rocket development positions Rocket Lab as a competitor in heavy-lift launches.

Upsides

Collaboration with Air Force Research Lab could lead to more defense contracts.

Operational efficiency shown by two launches in 24 hours from different hemispheres.

Investment by Pier 88 indicates strong investor confidence in Rocket Lab's growth.

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