Systems Engineering - Defense

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.

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.

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. 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.

PROPULSION SYSTEMS ENGINEER I/II

We are currently seeking a Propulsion Systems Engineer I/II for our propulsion engineering team based out of Long Beach, CA. As a Propulsion Systems 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.

(Please note: this position can be hired at the Propulsion Systems Engineer I or Propulsion Systems Engineer II level)

Conceptual and detailed performance calculations, systems modelling, analysis, and system designs.

Systems engineering activities and leadership within the team.

Test planning, setup, instrumentation, execution, and data analysis.

Communicating 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.

Mentorship and coaching of people within the team on technical and professional development.

Defining and maintaining standard of excellence for the team through documentation, training, coaching, and review of others’ work.

Contributing to engineering process development and documentation at Rocket Lab related to areas of experience.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS PROPULSION SYSTEMS ENGINEER I

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or other technical engineering discipline)

Demonstrated hands‑on engineering skills, inside or outside the workplace.

US citizenship and willingness to obtain a security clearance required, due to program requirements.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS PROPULSION SYSTEMS ENGINEER II

2+ years of experience in propulsion system development, or equivalent high‑performance field.

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (aerospace, mechanical, mechatronics, or other technical engineering discipline)

Demonstrated hands‑on engineering skills, inside or outside the workplace.

US citizenship and willingness to obtain a security clearance required, due to program requirements.

A genuine passion for engineering, curious mindset, and willingness to learn.

Makes decisions using basic engineering principles, available literature and standards, technical risk assessments, test data, and physics‑based models.

Expertise in propulsion system modelling, static and transient analysis, and model validation using test data using software such as Amesim, EcosimPro, Simulink, Simscape, or similar.

Experience working on propulsion systems utilizing different storable propellants, such as electrical and chemical.

Experience with end‑to‑end development process including gathering requirements, detailed design, qualification, production, and acceptance testing. Strong grasp of all steps in the Systems Engineering V and risk‑based decision making.

Capabilities using Python for data manipulation and post‑processing.

Detailed mechanical design experience using NX (preferred) or equivalent industry standard CAD software.

Experience with GD&T and engineering drawings.

Experience using Product Lifecycle Management software such as Teamcenter (preferred), Windchill, or similar.

Experience with testing and troubleshooting flight hardware.

Masters or PhD.

Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.

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., S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.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.This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. 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.