Propulsion Systems Analyst II / Senior

About this role

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.

NEUTRON

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!

PROPULSION SYSTEMS ANALYST II / SENIOR

The Propulsion Systems Analyst is responsible for the creation, maintenance, of engine transients and steady state models as well as owning the overall performance of the startup and shutdown of the Archimedes Engines. They will help develop startup and shutdown campaigns for all the engines in the Archimedes engine family. They will also assist in the maintaining engine performance models used for vehicle level analysis.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Develop transient startup and shutdown simulations for the Archimedes engines family.

• Develop and maintain startup and shutdown valve sequences as well as test campaigns for the verification and engine transients.

• Support test site and vehicle transients test campaigns with data review, model grounding, and valve sequence changes for engine testing.

• Serve as the technical expert engine POC for all engine transients.

• Work closely with other engine leads to ensure to communicate subcomponent needs as well as vehicle system needs to support healthy engine transients.

• Creation and maintenance of data processing tools

(This position can be hired as a Propulsion Analyst II or Senior Propulsion Analyst I Level)

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A PROPULSION SYSTEMS ANALYST II:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related field

• 2+ years experience with fluids system analysis of a cryogenic liquid propulsion rocket engine.

• Demonstrated expertise using or building a lumped parameter fluid analysis tool.

• Knowledge of fundamentals in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and fluid system design.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A SENIOR PROPULSION SYSTEMS ANALYST I:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or related field

• 5+ years experience with fluids system analysis of a cryogenic liquid propulsion rocket engine.

• Demonstrated expertise using or building a lumped parameter fluid analysis tool.

• Knowledge of fundamentals in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and fluid system design.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Advanced degree in a fluid mechanics-heavy field

• 4+ years experience designing and operating an engine system or components for a staged combustion rocket engine.

• Experience with ROCet Engine Transient Simulation Software (ROCETS)

• Experience with Methyl/LOX fluid systems.

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
Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

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.

Total Compensation (base and equity)
$136,075—$193,075 USD

Base Salary
$126,000—$172,800 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.

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…