About the Job
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...
SENIOR SPACECRAFT PROPULSION TEST ENGINEER II
Key Responsibilities
Set and maintain best practices for all aspects of testing, ensuring a high standard of excellence across the team
Provide guidance, training, mentorship, and technical leadership to team members on testing methodologies and processes
Review and sign off on test plans and test reports, ensuring quality and compliance with requirements
Support engineers and leadership with risk-based decision making to guide the team through development challenges
Own the full testing lifecycle, including test planning, setup, instrumentation, execution, data analysis, and reporting
Apply a systems engineering mindset to testing activities, integrating with broader engineering efforts
Communicate regularly and effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, both internal and external to the team
Define, document, and uphold standards of excellence through training, coaching, and review of others’ work
Contribute to meaningful, career-defining projects alongside exceptional colleagues in a collaborative environment
Required Skills & Abilities
8+ years of experience in rocket engine test engineering, or equivalent high-performance field
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or other technical engineering discipline)
Ability to travel to test facilities and work off-site for extended periods
Prior work on engine test facilities and experience hot fire testing liquid rocket engines, including instrumentation, test operation, and data analysis
Expertise in instrumentation, automation, and data acquisition using either National Instruments or Beckhoff PLC
Experience working with hypergolic propellants, or experience designing, building, or maintaining flight or GSE systems for hypergolic propellant service
Excited by the opportunity to establish a new capability for Rocket Lab and the country
Great 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 involved
Genuine passion for engineering, strong attention to detail, and an eagerness to learn
Excellent 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 flight
Strong understanding of standard aerospace testing including random vibration, shock, thermal cycle, thermal vacuum, helium leak, accelerated life, and margined performance testing
Experience with getting government approvals through NEPA, permitting, or similar processes for construction, industrial, or test operations
Capabilities using Python for data manipulation and post-processing
Experience with 1D fluid system modelling
Master's or PhD
Qualifications
Experience:
8 years experience
Education:
Postgraduate
Work Authorization
Citizenship of AU / NZ / EU / NATO
