Rocket Lab

Senior Propulsion Design Engineer I

Rocket Lab$115K — $172K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or related field.
  • 5+ years of relevant engineering experience.
  • Strong foundation in heat transfer, fluids, and structural mechanics.
  • Proficiency in finite element analysis with ANSYS Workbench or similar software.
  • Expertise in mechanical design principles and design for manufacturing.
  • Experience in developing engineering design best practices.
  • Proven ability to take parts, assemblies, or systems from concept to production.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with subject matter experts to design engine systems.
  • Develop and own mechanical design solutions for propulsion systems.
  • Conduct trade studies and design reviews throughout the development process.
  • Coordinate with fabrication teams to transition designs into production.
  • Support the Neutron and Archimedes teams with deliverables for engine development.

Benefits

  • Company stock as part of total compensation, aligning your success with the company's.
  • Industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount on company stock.
  • Top-tier medical, dental, and vision plans, including a high-deductible health plan with HSA contributions.
  • Paid vacation and sick leave, along with 11 paid holidays per year.
  • Additional perks such as subsidized EV charging, discounted gym memberships, and onsite fitness centers where available.
Full Job Description
SENIOR PROPULSION DESIGN ENGINEER I

Based out of Rocket Lab's our headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Senior Propulsion Design Engineer is responsible for the design of engine components (combustion chambers, turbo machinery, engine layout, etc.) for the Archimedes Engine. In this role you'll have the opportunity to design, analyze and build hardware. You will support the Neutron and Archimedes teams with deliverables required to facilitate engine development and advance the program forward.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

  • Work with technical subject matter experts to design engine systems to meet performance, quality and manufacturability requirements.
  • Develop and own mechanical design solutions for propulsion systems.
  • Perform trade studies and design reviews with analysts, manufacturing engineers and subject matter experts from concept to production.
  • Work with internal and external fabrication teams to bring hardware from design to fruition


QUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS SENIOR PROPULSION DESIGN ENGINEER I:

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related field
  • 5+ years of experience in relevant engineering field.
  • Strong foundation in heat transfer, fluids and structural mechanics.
  • Proficiency in finite element analysis using ANSYS Workbench or similar packages.
  • Mastery of mechanical design principles.
  • Strong understanding of design for manufacturing and GD&T principles.
  • Prior experience developing and maintaining engineering design best practices
  • Prior experience developing parts, assemblies or systems from concept to production.


THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

  • High proficiency in GD&T.
  • Proficiency in using ANSYS Workbench
  • Proficiency in using StarCCM+ or similar CFD software packages.
  • Prior experience with design of additively manufactured rocket engine components.
  • Experience with propulsion systems design, analysis, test, operations, and/or manufacturing
  • Experience with best practices for design, qualification and production of aerospace hardware.
  • Experience working in a fast-paced development program.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

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.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$135,475-$208,475 USD

Base Salary

$115,200-$172,800 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.

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a private American aerospace manufacturer and small satellite launch service provider. The company was founded in 2006 by New Zealander Peter Beck. Rocket Lab's Electron rocket is designed to launch small payloads of up to 300 kg into low Earth orbit. The company has launched several successful missions and has contracts with NASA and other organizations. Rocket Lab has raised over $200 million in funding and has offices in the United States and New Zealand.
Learn more about Rocket Lab
Size
500 employees
Market Cap
$1.6 billion
Industry
Founded
2006
NASDAQ

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