Propulsion Test Manager

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

Lead Test Engineer- Neutron

Lead Test Engineer – Archimedes, is responsible for leading the team and engineering work for the Archimedes engine testing at Stennis Space Center. This role focuses on Archimedes achieving its functional requirements to the required quality and schedule. The Lead Engineer has the scope to direct the team’s engineering efforts across and outside the direct team in the best interest of the company. Engineering direction and decisions are solved by the lead providing guidance and resource allocations to the rest of the team.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Design specification responsibility for existing products or new developments as assigned by management to meet company requirements
  • Engineering BOM responsibility and it’s workflow with applicable software for new products or existing product (for components and assemblies)
  • Responsible for communication of the design for manufacturing purposes including materials, GD&T and unique design specifications by using drawings and appropriately referenced information/standards
  • Responsible for communication of R&D, qualification and acceptance test requirements of the product by using relevant engineering documents
  • Responsible for verification of design meeting company requirements in conjunction with analysis, manufacturing, testing and operations teams.
  • Responsible for product operation, lifecycle and maintenance by defining the necessary operating, maintenance, repair, calibration, and environmental care information for responsible product

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: (– Note: Candidate must meet every qualification in order to be considered

• 6 years’ industry experience
  • Engineering degree
  • Experience from previous employment that meets engineering experience title and skills
  • Has demonstrated skills within the rocket propulsion industry where applicable to deliver required company outcomes
  • Proven track record of leading a team to deliver multiple complete and successful engineering projects from conception to operation
  • Experience working in one or more of the areas below to solve industry related problems applicable to rocket engines:
  o Structural static and/or non-linear analysis
  o Modal and/or frequency domain analysis
  o Computational fluid dynamics analysis
  o Heat transfer or thermal analysis
  o Sensors and instrumentation
  o Software Engineering

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Masters or PhD
  • End to end rocket engine development and operation program leadership experience
  • Relational database design
  • Serial communications

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to travel and communicate outside of work hours
• Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed

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 other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Biow at

. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States’ International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click hereITAR Regulations.

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