About Rocket Lab
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Aerospace product and parts manufacturing
Company size
201 - 500 Employees
Headquarters location
Long Beach, CA, US
Year founded
2006
$132K - $181.90K/yr
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Posted yesterday
Rocket Lab rating
8.8
Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
8th of 59 rated aerospace companies
Job description
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.
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 extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
NEUTRON
Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven execution history with the Electron program. If you're interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!
SENIOR / PRINCIPAL PROPULSION ENIGNEER
As Senior/Principal Propulsion Engineer, you will play a critical role in the development, testing, and operation of the Archimedes Engine family, a cornerstone of the Neutron rocket program. You will take ownership of subsystems and engine operation, driving design, analysis, testing, and operational readiness. You will execute testing campaigns, analyze data, improve existing evaluation capability and refine designs for reliability and vehicle operations.
This role demands technical expertise, strong autonomy, and the ability to align teams and projects to achieve program goals. Principal Engineers will additionally drive value to teams outside their group, influencing cross-functional efforts and contributing to the broader success of the Neutron program.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
- 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.
Please note: This position can be hired as a Senior Propulsion Engineer I, Senior Propulsion Engineer II or Principal Propulsion Level.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR PROPULSION 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.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR PROPULSION ENGINEER II:
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
- 8+ 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.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A PRINCIPAL PROPULSION ENGINEER:
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or related field.
- 12+ 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.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Advanced degree in a fluid mechanics-heavy field.
- Experience with ox-rich staged combustion systems and Methyl/LOX propellants.
- Background in failure analysis, combustion dynamics, turbopump mechanics, and hydraulics.
- Familiarity with reusable rocket engine systems and test/launch facility operations.
- Experience with best practices for design, qualification, and production.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to travel to test and launch facilities (~25%).
- Flexibility to work extended hours or weekends as needed.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
- Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
- Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.
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.
Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.
Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.
Base Pay Range (CA Only)
$116,000—$243,000 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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Frequently asked questions
Q: What skills or qualities help someone succeed as a Senior Principal Software Engineer?
A: To succeed as a Senior Principal Software Engineer, key technical skills include expertise in programming languages such as Java, C++, or Python, as well as proficiency in software design patterns, architecture, and agile development methodologies. Soft skills like effective communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities are also crucial, as they enable the engineer to mentor junior team members, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and drive technical decisions. By combining these technical and soft skills, a Senior Principal Software Engineer can drive technical innovation, lead high-performing teams, and make strategic contributions to the organization's software development efforts.
Q: What is the career path for a Senior Principal Software Engineer?
A: A Senior Principal Software Engineer typically follows a career progression from entry-level roles such as Software Engineer or Junior Developer, to mid-level positions like Senior Software Engineer or Technical Lead, and eventually to senior roles like Principal Software Engineer or Technical Architect. Key opportunities for skill development and professional growth in this role include mastering advanced programming languages, leading cross-functional teams, and staying up-to-date with emerging technologies and industry trends. Long-term career prospects for a Senior Principal Software Engineer may include transitioning into technical leadership roles, such as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) or Director of Engineering, or pursuing entrepreneurial ventures, like founding a startup or consulting firm.
