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Propulsion

Spacecraft Propulsion Components Engineer I

Rocket Lab logoRocket Lab$82,400–$123,600/yrLong Beach, CAPosted 1w ago
  • No experience required
  • US citizenship
  • ITAR / US person

How this pay compares

This posting states $82.4k–$124k a year. Open propulsion engineer jobs in California post a median of $151k a year, the middle half $130k–$170k, across 118 jobs that state their pay, so this one is below the middle half of what they post.

Propulsion engineers in California: pay by town and employer

About the job

## ABOUT ROCKET LAB Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine.

Come shape the future with us. ## 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. ## SPACECRAFT PROPULSION COMPONENTS ENGINEER I We're currently seeking a Spacecraft Propulsion Components Engineer I for our propulsion engineering team based out of Long Beach, CA.

As a Propulsion Components Engineer, you're responsible for system-level and component-level ownership of space systems propulsion and fluidic development.

This team supports our Space Systems division, and leads cutting-edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. ## WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO - Own development of new or existing products or systems, acting as technical lead to guide team through end-to-end development process. - Conceptual and detailed designs in CAD for propulsion system components, as well as performance calculations and analysis. - Review and approval of others' drawings, 3D PMI, reports, and specifications. - Test planning, setup, instrumentation, execution, and data analysis. - Communicate with project stakeholders internal and external to the team. - Technical risk-based decision making to the right/best solution when faced with an engineering challenge. - Project management including schedule building and maintenance, identifying top priority items, tasking of other engineers and technicians, and communication of status to leadership and other teams. - Mentorship and coaching of people within the team on technical and professional development. - Defining and maintaining standard of excellence for their team through documentation, training, coaching, and review of others’ work. - Contributing to engineering process development and documentation at Rocket Lab related to areas of experience. ## YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline. - Experience in propulsion system development or other high-performance field. - US citizenship is required, due to program requirements. - Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. ## THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: - A genuine passion for engineering, curious mindset, and willingness to learn. - Detailed mechanical design experience using NX (preferred) or equivalent industry standard CAD software and Product Lifecycle Management software such as Teamcenter (preferred), Windchill, or similar. - Comfortable working with high levels of ambiguity. - Ability to make decisions using basic engineering principles, available literature and standards, technical risk assessments, test data, and physics-based models. - Experience working on propulsion systems utilizing different storable propellants, such as electrical and chemical. - Track record of design reviews and approving release of flight parts, qual reports and decisions for flight hardware. - Practice in identifying the necessary steps to achieve high level technical goals, scheduling them in a plan, and managing delivery against that plan. - Experience developing requirement and verification sets, as well as writing test plans, performing testing, and writing test reports. - Experience with end-to-end development process including gathering requirements, detailed design, qualification, production, and acceptance testing. - Capabilities using Python for data manipulation and post-processing. - Demonstrated hands-on engineering skills, inside or outside the workplace. - Hands-on integration and testing experience (ideally using NI equipment and software). - Experience with GD&T and engineering drawings. - Experience using Product Lifecycle Management software such as Teamcenter (preferred), Windchill, or similar. - Experience using National Instruments data acquisition systems. - Experience with testing and troubleshooting flight hardware. - Master's or PhD in engineering.

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. 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. Base Pay Range (CA Only) $82,400 - $123,600 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. ## 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 provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any ot

From Rocket Lab's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.

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About Rocket Lab

Builds the Electron and Neutron launch vehicles and spacecraft and their components.

Pay on its listings: 71.9% of its open jobs state an hourly rate

How it pays: Paid as an employee on Rocket Lab's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).

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