Senior Propulsion and Fluids Test Engineer

Job description

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 pioneering the future of space. Our Space Systems team works from initial concepts all the way through build and integration to on-orbit operations. As a vertically integration organization, we build 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 and operated 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. SENIOR PROPULSION AND FLUIDS TEST ENGINEER At Rocket Lab, the systems you work on don’t sit on a shelf - they launch, operate in orbit, and support real missions. From deep space exploration to Earth observation, the work here has weight. If you've planned a test campaign, designed a test rig, built it with your own hands, and used it to prove that a component or system meets requirements and is ready for production, we want to hear from you. We’re hiring a Senior Propulsion and Fluids Test Engineer to join our Space Systems team in Auckland. WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: Own propulsion components and fluid systems from concept through qualification to production Design, build, and operate test setups to validate hardware performance Plan and execute test campaigns, including instrumentation, data collection, and analysis Troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues that emerge during development and testing Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop new systems and improve existing designs Navigate technical challenges across development, qualification, and production phases Review and approve test plans and reports to maintain engineering standards Guide risk-based decision-making for propulsion and fluid systems Mentor and support other engineers in technical development and best practices Maintain system-level perspective while managing component-level details Communicate effectively with stakeholders across the organization to ensure alignment and mission success WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR: Passion for engineering, attention to detail, and eagerness to learn Mechanical, mechatronics, aerospace or equivalent engineering degree 5+ years of relevant industry experience, such as developing and testing pressurized fluid components or systems, such as valves, pressure regulators, tanks, etc. Strong hands-on background with rig build, instrumentation, data acquisition, and test execution Experience working across the full development lifecycle, from requirements through to production Experience with LabVIEW and NI or similar DAQ/PLC systems along with data visualization and analysis tools Confidence operating with ambiguity and making sound, first-principles engineering decisions NICE TO HAVE: Background in aerospace testing (vibration, thermal, vacuum, helium leak, and life cycle testing) Python for data analysis or modelling experience Advanced degree (master’s or PhD) 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.