Spaceplane - Senior Propulsion Engineer

Dawn Aerospace is a fast-growing company developing world-leading technology at the cutting edge of space transportation. We’re building spacecraft and spaceplane systems to make space more accessible, sustainable, and responsive. This is a rare opportunity to be part of a truly transformative aerospace program.

We’re looking for a Senior Propulsion Engineer to join our high-performing team developing and testing rocket propulsion systems for our Mk-II spaceplane. This is not your average engineering role—you’ll be deeply involved in designing, assembling, and testing complex hardware that flies.

Your deep propulsion experience and sound engineering judgement will play a critical role in shaping our propulsion systems—informing design decisions, driving technical trade-offs, and ensuring our hardware performs flawlessly under demanding conditions. You’ll be a trusted voice in reviews and decision-making, helping the team move fast without compromising on safety or performance. Just as importantly, your hands-on knowledge of manufacturing, assembly, and test will lift our young, talented propulsion team to new levels—bringing practical insight, mentoring, and rigor to a fast-paced, high-expectation environment.

If you’re excited by ambitious goals, hands-on development, and fast iteration—we want to hear from you.

What you’ll do
Own the design, analysis, and development of key propulsion subsystems and components.
Plan and conduct tests of the main propulsion system for the Mk-II rocket-powered aircraft.
Interpret and analyse test data to verify system performance and support future designs.
Lead or support the manufacture and integration of propulsion hardware.
Rapidly troubleshoot issues and implement timely, practical solutions.
Collaborate on integration of propulsion and ancillary systems within the vehicle.
Create detailed documentation, including assembly manuals, test procedures, and reports.

What you bring
5+ years of experience in rocket propulsion design and testing.
A degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
Hands-on skills with mechanical systems and confidence working in a test and integration environment.
Strong ability to work independently, take initiative, and thrive in a fast-paced, evolving company.
Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English.
Experience working with suppliers and external partners.

Bonus points for
Proficiency in LabView, Python, or Matlab for data acquisition and analysis.
Familiarity with SolidWorks or other CAD tools.
Practical experience with:
TIG/MIG welding
Lathes, 3-axis CNC machines
Additive manufacturing / 3D printing
Experience designing for flight hardware, including lightweight structures, thermal management, and propulsion integration.

Why Dawn Aerospace?
Be part of one of the most exciting aerospace projects in the world.
Work with a passionate, smart, and driven team.
High responsibility and autonomy—we believe in giving you the tools and getting out of your way.
Fast-paced development cycles—no bureaucratic inertia.
A collaborative, creative, and high-trust environment.

About Us
Dawn Aerospace is developing the fastest and highest-flying aircraft ever to take off from a runway, combining the extreme performance of rocket propulsion with the reusability of conventional airplanes to enable high-frequency, low-cost access to sub-orbital space. Our flagship aircraft, the Mk-II Aurora spaceplane, is designed to push the boundaries of aviation into space, providing a scalable and cost-effective platform for microgravity research, atmospheric studies, and aerospace innovation. In 2024, the Aurora spaceplane broke the sound barrier, reaching Mach 1.12 at 82,500 feet, and set a record for the fastest climb to 20 kilometres (65,600 feet).

We're a tight-knit, cross-functional team with a passion for building things that matter. If you're ready to be part of a bold, hands-on engineering challenge that’s changing how space is accessed—let’s talk. And even if you think you have what it takes but are unsure that you check every box, we still want to hear from you.

Please also note that due to our current customer base and the nature of our industry and technology, we are required to conduct background checks that are undertaken for security reasons. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that the Employee be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by domestic and foreign regulations. Under these regulations, an employee may be ineligible for a role in our New Zealand office if they do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if they hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.
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