Senior Propulsion and Fluids Test Engineer

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive space company providing launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, satellite components, and other related solutions with the mission of expanding space accessibility. Their rockets and satellites support critical global space missions in scientific exploration, Earth monitoring, national security, and climate initiatives. Electron rocket is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket, having deployed over 230 satellites. The company is also developing Neutron, a medium-lift reusable launcher for larger satellite constellations. Their Space Systems division designs and builds satellites and components involved in major NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as instruments like those on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Space Systems Team

The Space Systems group designs everything from entire spacecraft and precision payloads to subsystems essential for space operation, including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, separation systems, radios, and more. This team supports over 1,700 missions ranging from planetary exploration to national defense. Key collaborators include NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.

Role Overview

As a Senior Propulsion and Fluids Test Engineer based in Auckland, you will manage propulsion components and fluid systems throughout their lifecycle from concept to production. Your responsibilities include designing test rigs, conducting test campaigns, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring engineering standards compliance. This role involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, mentoring engineers, and driving risk-informed decisions related to propulsion and fluid systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage propulsion and fluid system components from design through qualification to production.
• Create and operate testing setups to validate hardware function and performance.
• Plan and oversee test campaigns, including instrumentation and data analysis.
• Identify and resolve hardware problems discovered during development and testing phases.
• Work closely with multiple engineering disciplines to innovate and improve system designs.
• Review and approve engineering documentation such as test plans and reports.
• Lead risk-related decision processes connected to propulsion and fluid systems.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to less experienced engineers.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of systems-level and component-level details.
• Effectively communicate with various stakeholders to promote project success.

Candidate Profile

• Demonstrated experience in the development and testing of propulsion, fluid, or other high-performance mechanical hardware.
• Strong practical skills with instrumentation, data collection, and conducting test execution.
• Proficient across the full engineering lifecycle, from requirements gathering through production stages.
• Ability to work effectively under ambiguous conditions and apply fundamental engineering principles to problem solving.
• Experience with LabVIEW or comparable data acquisition and analysis software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace testing areas such as vibration, thermal, vacuum, leak, or endurance testing.
• Familiarity with Python programming for data analysis or modeling purposes.
• Advanced academic qualifications like a Master’s or PhD degree.

Additional Information

The successful candidate will join a team committed to innovation, collaboration, and delivering challenging space missions. The company values a culture of grit, hard work, and mutual support, thriving under deadline pressure with a goal-focused mindset.

Compliance and Suitability Requirements

Due to U.S. export regulations (ITAR), applicants working at New Zealand offices must undergo background screening including nationality verification. Eligibility is restricted to citizens from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the EU, NATO countries, or those without conflicting dual citizenships. Candidates seeking to work in U.S. locations must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, refugees, asylees, or eligible for U.S. government authorization.

Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, age, gender identity, disability status, veteran status, or other protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodations during application and interviewing are available for U.S. candidates with disabilities upon request.