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Rocket Lab Corporation

Propulsion Design Engineer II

Long Beach, CAFrom $138.6kmidAdded 3 days ago

About this role

Rocket Lab seeks a Propulsion Design Engineer II to design and develop engine components for the Archimedes engine powering the Neutron rocket. Based in Long Beach, CA, you'll lead mechanical design solutions from concept through production while collaborating with cross-functional teams of analysts and manufacturing engineers.

What you'll do

  • Design engine components including combustion chambers, turbomachinery, and engine layouts for the Archimedes engine
  • Develop and own mechanical design solutions that meet performance, quality, and manufacturability requirements
  • Perform trade studies and design reviews with analysts, manufacturing engineers, and subject matter experts
  • Conduct finite element analysis and structural/thermal simulations to validate designs
  • Collaborate with internal and external fabrication teams to transition hardware from design to production
  • Support Neutron and Archimedes program advancement with engineering deliverables

What they're looking for

  • Finite element analysis (ANSYS Workbench or equivalent)
  • Heat transfer, fluids, and structural mechanics
  • Mechanical design principles and GD&T
  • Design for manufacturing (DFM)
  • CAD and engineering drawing creation
  • CFD software (StarCCM+ preferred)
  • Aerospace hardware design and qualification practices
  • Project management and cross-functional collaboration

Benefits

  • Equity ownership in a rapidly growing space company
  • Competitive base salary
  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge rocket engine technology
  • Hands-on design-to-production experience
  • Collaboration with industry-leading technical experts
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Rocket Lab Corporation

Rocket Lab builds spacecraft and satellites that it launches on its own rockets, developing the avionics, flight software, and ground systems needed to operate these vehicles in orbit. The company is hiring software engineers, test automation specialists, and spacecraft operations engineers to develop embedded flight software, design testing systems, and manage satellite fleet health across commercial and government missions.

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Likely interview questions

  • Describe a complex engine component you designed—what analysis methods validated your design choices?
  • How have you balanced performance requirements against manufacturability constraints in previous roles?
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