Senior Propulsion Systems Engineer - Rocket Lab USA

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptual and detailed design of propulsion subsystems, including engines, turbopumps, and propellant feed lines.
• Perform advanced combustion, thermodynamic, and CFD analyses to optimize engine performance and mitigate failure modes.
• Collaborate with materials, manufacturing, and test teams to select qualified components and define qualification plans.
• Develop and execute rigorous ground test programs, analyze data, and provide actionable recommendations for design improvements.
• Document design decisions, maintain traceability, and support certification and launch readiness activities.

Requirements

• B.S. or M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of propulsion system design and test experience in the aerospace or defense industry.
• Proficiency with CFD tools (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, STAR‑CCM+), combustion modeling, and materials selection.
• Strong analytical skills, problem‑solving ability, and experience with cross‑functional collaboration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven track record of technical documentation.