Electric Propulsion Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

SPACE SYSTEMS 

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, separation systems, radios, and more. 

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 Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force. Whether it’s a single high-performance spacecraft, constellation, or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space — our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions. 

PRINCIPAL ELECTRIC PROPULSION ENGINEER

We’re currently seeking a Principal Electric Propulsion Engineer for our propulsion engineering team based out of Long Beach, CA. As an Electric Propulsion Engineer, you are responsible for system-level and component-level ownership of space systems propulsion and fluidic development. These teams support our Space Systems division, and lead cutting-edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. 

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO: 

• Own development of new or existing products or systems, acting as technical lead to guide team through end-to-end development process
• Conceptual and detailed performance calculations, systems modelling, analysis, and system designs 
• Requirements gathering, definition, and management 
• Systems engineering activities and leadership within the team
• Test planning, setup, instrumentation, execution, and data analysis 
• Communicate with project stakeholders internal and external to the team
• Technical risk-based decision making to the right/best solution when faced with an engineering challenge  
• Project management, including: schedule building and maintenance, identifying top priority items, tasking of other engineers and technicians, and communication of status to leadership and other teams