Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand · On-site
$82k–$126k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: CAD Design, NX, Teamcenter, Fluid System Components, Propulsion Development
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$124k–$155k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Design For Manufacture, Design For Test, Value Stream Mapping, Cell Design, Lean Manufacturing
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$190k–$220k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Strategic Financial Leadership, Cost Management, Financial Planning, Forecasting, Cost Variance Analysis
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$115k–$180k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Program Management, High-Volume Production, Design-for-Manufacturing, Takt Time, Line-of-Balance
Littleton, Colorado, United States · On-site
$120k–$160k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Simulation Engineering, Data Analysis, Distributed Computational Modeling, Software Systems Architecture, Python
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand · On-site
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 acce…
Skills: Python, TypeScript, Angular, React, Vue
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand · On-site
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 acce…
Skills: Avionics Software, Embedded Systems, REST APIs, Linux, TypeScript
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$130k–$175k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Python, Cloud Engineering, Web Architecture, Secret Clearance, Scalable Cloud Solutions
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$160k–$210k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Systems Security Architecture, Embedded Security, Hardware Security, Cryptography, Network Security
Littleton, Colorado, United States · On-site
$150k–$200k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Systems Security Architecture, Embedded Security, Hardware Security, Cryptography, Network Security
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$115k–$180k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Program Management, EO/IR Sensing, Optical Payloads, Focal Plane Arrays, Supply Chain Management
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$135k–$220k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Technical Program Management, P&L Management, Supply Chain Management, Risk Mitigation, Prototype-to-Flight Transition
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$115k–$180k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Program Management, Technical Roadmap Development, TS/SCI Clearance, Supply Chain Management, Cross-functional Leadership
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$115k–$180k/yr
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 acce…
Skills: Program Management, RF Systems, Technical Roadmap Development, Supply Chain Management, Cross-functional Leadership
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$30/hr–$50/hr
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 acce…
Skills: Electrical Maintenance, Power Distribution, Panel Upgrades, Troubleshooting, Electrical Schematics
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$35/hr–$50/hr
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 acce…
Skills: CNC Operation, CNC Lathe, CNC Mill, Reading Drawings, CAD Models
Tucson, Arizona, United States · On-site
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 acce…
Skills: Avionics Management, Hardware Development, Electronics Test Engineering, Analog Circuit Design, High-Speed Board Design
Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand · On-site
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 acce…
Skills: Production Coordination, ERP Systems, Microsoft Office, Inventory Management, Kanban
Long Beach, California, United States · On-site
$28/hr–$35/hr
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 acce…
Skills: MRP, ERP, Production Planning, Inventory Management, Microsoft Excel
Toronto, Ontario, Canada · On-site
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 acce…
Skills: Manufacturing Engineering, Continuous Improvement, Design For Manufacture, Six Sigma, Lean Principles
Sign up with Clera and we'll reach out the moment a role actually fits you — no more spraying applications into the void.
Lead the end-to-end development of fluid system components for spacecraft propulsion, from initial concept through flight operation. This includes CAD design, prototyping, testing, and managing project schedules and stakeholders.
Requires an engineering degree and 5+ years of experience in propulsion development or a high-performance field. Candidates must have expertise in fluid system components, NX or equivalent CAD software, and hands-on engineering skills.
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.
The Space Systems Propulsion team is responsible for developing and delivering qualified, flight-ready space vehicle propulsion systems. The team takes on cradle-to-grave ownership of systems and components. From mission requirement through detailed design, qualification, integration, and on orbit operation. Examples of past work include the Curie and HyperCurie engines, and the ESCAPADE, Winnebago, and Victus Haze spacecraft propulsion systems. Currently the team is working on developing new products for both Electric Propulsion (Gauss) and chemical propulsion.
The team consists of development engineers and development technicians with a range of experience and skillsets, spanning systems engineering, design, build, test, and operations. The common thread across all members of the team is end-to-end ownership and the ability to work hands-on with development, qualification, and flight hardware. Team members interface regularly with stakeholders across the company, including GNC, Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Flight Software, Thermal, Structures, and others.
The Senior Development Engineer position at Rocket Lab's Space Systems Propulsion team focuses on leading the end-to-end development of fluid system components for spacecraft propulsion systems, from initial concept through flight operation. The role combines technical leadership responsibilities—including CAD design, testing, and mentoring—with project management duties such as stakeholder communication and schedule management.
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.
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 salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.
Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.
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 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 Johnson at [email protected].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 here ITAR Regulations.
We open access to space to improve life on Earth.
Rocket Lab builds, launches, and operates rockets and spacecraft for our global customers. Our Electron launch vehicle is the world’s most frequently launched orbital small rocket, our HASTE rocket is progressing America’s hypersonic capabilities on suborbital missions, and our larger Neutron rocket is currently in development. From across the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures individual spacecraft components to entire satellites constellations for missions to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Offices: 3881 McGowen St, Long Beach, California 90808, US · 25 Levene Pl, Auckland, 1060, NZ · 7815 Shaffer Pkwy, Littleton, Colorado 80127, US · 20 Maud St, Toronto, Ontario M5V 2M5, CA · 10420 Research Rd SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87123, US
We open access to space to improve life on Earth.
Rocket Lab builds, launches, and operates rockets and spacecraft for our global customers. Our Electron launch vehicle is the world’s most frequently launched orbital small rocket, our HASTE rocket is progressing America’s hypersonic capabilities on suborbital missions, and our larger Neutron rocket is currently in development. From across the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures individual spacecraft components to entire satellites constellations for missions to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Offices: 3881 McGowen St, Long Beach, California 90808, US · 25 Levene Pl, Auckland, 1060, NZ · 7815 Shaffer Pkwy, Littleton, Colorado 80127, US · 20 Maud St, Toronto, Ontario M5V 2M5, CA · 10420 Research Rd SE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87123, US
