Propulsion Components Engineer I/II

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Rocket Lab’s Space Systems Propulsion team seeks a Senior Propulsion Components Development Engineer to own end-to-end development of fluid-system components for spacecraft propulsion, from concept through flight operation, blending CAD design, testing, mentoring and project management. You’ll design valves and regulators in NX with 3D PMI and Teamcenter, prototype and test hardware, and support production and reviews while guiding teammates. Requirements include 5+ years in propulsion development, hands-on mechanical design with fluid components, and comfort operating with ambiguity; NZ eligibility and ITAR/security checks apply. To apply, tailor your CV to demonstrate end-to-end ownership, show CAD designs and test results, highlight cross-functional leadership, and confirm willingness to be onsite in Auckland and participate in security processes.

SPACE SYSTEMS

The Space Systems Propulsion team is responsible for developing and delivering qualified, flight-ready space vehicle propulsion systems. The team takes on cradle-to-grave ownership of systems and components. From mission requirement through detailed design, qualification, integration, and on orbit operation. Examples of past work include the Curie and HyperCurie engines, and the ESCAPADE, Winnebago, and Victus Haze spacecraft propulsion systems. Currently the team is working on developing new products for both Electric Propulsion (Gauss) and chemical propulsion.  

The team consists of development engineers and development technicians with a range of experience and skillsets, spanning systems engineering, design, build, test, and operations. The common thread across all members of the team is end-to-end ownership and the ability to work hands-on with development, qualification, and flight hardware. Team members interface regularly with stakeholders across the company, including GNC, Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Flight Software, Thermal, Structures, and others. 

SENIOR PROPULSION COMPONENTS DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER

The Senior Development Engineer position at Rocket Lab's Space Systems Propulsion team focuses on leading the end-to-end development of fluid system components for spacecraft propulsion systems, from initial concept through flight operation. The role combines technical leadership responsibilities—including CAD design, testing, and mentoring—with project management duties such as stakeholder communication and schedule management.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Owning development of new or existing products or systems, acting as technical lead to guide team through end-to-end development process.
• Conceptual and detailed designs in CAD for propulsion system components as well as calculations, analysis, and system designs.
• Prototyping and development testing your designs as well as supporting procurement and production of hardware for development and production. Your work will be on flight hardware and the tooling and test rigs required to develop and qualify them.
• Review and approval of others’ drawings, 3D PMI, reports, and specifications.
• General systems engineering tasks including requirements gathering and definition as well as communicating with internal and external project stakeholders
• Project management including schedule building and maintenance, identifying risk and priority, and providing tasking to others on the project
• Mentorship and coaching of people within the team on technical and professional

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• A genuine passion for engineering, curious mindset, and willingness to learn.
• An engineering degree and 5+ years of experience in propulsion development, or equivalent high-performance field.
• Background working with fluid system components such as valves and regulators.
• Experience with end-to-end development process including gathering requirements, detailed design, qualification, production, and acceptance testing.
• Detailed mechanical design experience using NX (preferred) or equivalent industry standard CAD software and PLM such as Teamcenter.
• Hands on engineering skills, inside or outside the workplace.
• Desire to take accountability for design reviews and approving release of production parts.
• Comfortable working with high levels of ambiguity; making decisions using basic engineering principles, available information, and risk. 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: 

• Project leadership experience; identifying the necessary steps to achieve high level technical goals, scheduling them in a plan, and managing delivery against that plan.
• Test engineering experience such as writing test plans, instrumentation, performing testing, test data analysis, and writing test reports.
• Capabilities using Python for data manipulation and post-processing.
• Masters or Doctorate Degree