Verified Job
Engineering - Architecture
Senior Propulsion and Fluids Test Engineer
Engineering - Architecture
#48652
Remote / WFH
Rocket Lab Corporation
Job Description
ABOUT ROCKET LAB
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.
Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.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.
SPACE SYSTEMS
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. The team has built 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.
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 systems-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:
Proven experience developing and testing propulsion, fluid, or other high-performance hardware
Strong hands-on background with instrumentation, data acquisition, and test execution
Experience working across the full development lifecycle, from requirements through to production
Confidence operating in ambiguity and making sound, first-principles engineering decisions
Experience with LabVIEW (or similar) and data analysis tools
NICE TO HAVE:
Background in aerospace testing (vibration, thermal, vacuum, leak, or life testing)
Python for data analysis or modelling experience
Advanced degree (Masters or PhD)
Apply today!
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 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.
Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.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.
SPACE SYSTEMS
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. The team has built 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.
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 systems-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:
Proven experience developing and testing propulsion, fluid, or other high-performance hardware
Strong hands-on background with instrumentation, data acquisition, and test execution
Experience working across the full development lifecycle, from requirements through to production
Confidence operating in ambiguity and making sound, first-principles engineering decisions
Experience with LabVIEW (or similar) and data analysis tools
NICE TO HAVE:
Background in aerospace testing (vibration, thermal, vacuum, leak, or life testing)
Python for data analysis or modelling experience
Advanced degree (Masters or PhD)
Apply today!
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.
