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About the role
<div class="content-intro"><p><strong>ABOUT ROCKET LAB</strong></p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<div style="padding: 56.25% 0 0 0; position: relative;"><iframe style="position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%;" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1028198769?h=22add6027e&badge=0&autopause=0&player_id=0&app_id=58479" width="" height=""></iframe></div></div><p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">SPACE SYSTEMS</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">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.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong>SENIOR PROPULSION AND FLUIDS TEST ENGINEER</strong></p>
<p>At Rocket Lab, the systems you work on don’t sit on a shelf - they launch, operate in orbit, and support real missions. From deep space exploration to Earth observation, the work here has weight.</p>
<p>We’re hiring a Senior Propulsion and Fluids Test Engineer to join our Space Systems team in Auckland.</p>
<p><strong>WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO: </strong></p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Own propulsion components and fluid systems</strong> from concept through qualification to production</li>
<li><strong>Design, build, and operate test setups</strong> to validate hardware performance</li>
<li><strong>Plan and execute test campaigns</strong>, including instrumentation, data collection, and analysis</li>
<li><strong>Troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues</strong> that emerge during development and testing</li>
<li><strong>Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams</strong> to develop new systems and improve existing designs</li>
<li><strong>Navigate technical challenges</strong> across development, qualification, and production phases</li>
<li><strong>Review and approve test plans and reports</strong> to maintain engineering standards</li>
<li><strong>Guide risk-based decision-making</strong> for propulsion and fluid systems</li>
<li><strong>Mentor and support other engineers</strong> in technical development and best practices</li>
<li><strong>Maintain systems-level perspective</strong> while managing component-level details</li>
<li><strong>Communicate effectively with stakeholders</strong> across the organization to ensure alignment and mission success</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR: </strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Proven experience developing and testing propulsion, fluid, or other high-performance hardware</li>
<li>Strong hands-on background with instrumentation, data acquisition, and test execution</li>
<li>Experience working across the full development lifecycle, from requirements through to production</li>
<li>Confidence operating in ambiguity and making sound, first-principles engineering decisions</li>
<li>Experience with LabVIEW (or similar) and data analysis tools</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>NICE TO HAVE: </strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Background in aerospace testing (vibration, thermal, vacuum, leak, or life testing)</li>
<li>Python for data analysis or modelling experience</li>
<li>Advanced degree (Masters or PhD)</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Apply today! </strong></p><div class="content-conclusion"><p> </p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">WHAT TO EXPECT</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":1,"335551620":1,"335559685":0,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">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. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p>Important information:</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:</strong></span></p>
<p><em>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 <a href="https://urldefense.us/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.pmddtc.state.gov_-3Fid-3Dddtc-5Fkb-5Farticle-5Fpage-26sys-5Fid-3D24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987&d=DwMFog&c=N_fLK0KxmM34zjMadXHMx_SQYmXWO3FX0MRVr1hBcn4&r=prjnch9sxomG2ahCicblmM3m-FuPObepspoR1qvWq2I&m=ExC44mBPk2emo4Fr0xPSGZN0UraQ1ZtkDTxwR7iWw5rixcFQb-Wjlv7lJcecLldz&s=0lfm4LyRtFwK220WHBK11DGHWSVvVhQEcfa5G_2Nf18&e=">here</a>.</em></p>
<p><em>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.</em></p>
<p><em>Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at <a href="mailto:g.biow@rocketlabusa.com">g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.</a>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.</em></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:</strong></span></p>
<p><em>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. </em></p>
<p><em>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 <a class="fui-Link ___m14voj0 f3rmtva f1ern45e f1deefiw f1n71otn f1q5o8ev f1h8hb77 f1vxd6vx f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1hu3pq6 f11qmguv f19f4twv f1tyq0we f1g0x7ka fhxju0i f1qch9an f1cnd47f fqv5qza f1vmzxwi f1o700av f13mvf36 f9n3di6 f1ids18y fygtlnl f1deo86v f12x56k7 f1iescvh ftqa4ok f50u1b5 fs3pq8b f1hghxdh f1tymzes f1x7u7e9 f1cmlufx f10aw75t fsle3fq" href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/01/23/2020-00574/international-traffic-in-arms-regulations-us-munitions-list-categories-i-ii-and-iii" target="_blank">ITAR Regulations.</a></em></p>
<p> </p></div>
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