Senior Propulsion and Fluids Test Engineer

Our Electron rocket has 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 e...

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're 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, separati...

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 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 Develop...

Own propulsion components and fluid systems from concept through qualification to production
Design, build, and operate test setups to validate hardware performance
Plan and execute test campaigns, including instrumentation, data collection, and analysis
Troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues that emerge during development and testing
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop new systems and improve existing designs
Navigate technical challenges across development, qualification, and production phases
Review and approve test plans and reports to maintain engineering standards
Guide risk-based decision-making for propulsion and fluid systems
Mentor and support other engineers in technical development and best practices
Maintain systems-level perspective while managing component-level details
Communicate effectively with stakeholders across the organization to ensure alignment and mission success

Proven experience developing and testing propulsion, fluid, or other high-performance hardware
Strong hands-on background with instrumentation, data acquisition, and test execution
Experience working across the full development lifecycle, from requirements through to production
Confidence operating in ambiguity and making sound, first-principles engineering decisions
Experience with LabVIEW (or similar) and data analysis tools
Background in aerospace testing (vibration, thermal, vacuum, leak, or life testing)
Python for data analysis or modelling experience
Advanced degree (Masters or PhD)