Propulsion Test Manager

Updated on 9/7/2023

501-1,000 employees

Aviation & Aerospace Component Manufacturing

Company Overview

Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, spacecraft components, satellites and other spacecraft and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier and more affordable to access space.

Locations

John C. Stennis Space Center, MS, USA

Experience Level

Entry

Junior

Mid

Senior

Expert

CategoriesNew

Aerospace Engineering

Requirements

8+ years industry experience
Engineering degree
Experience from previous employment that meets engineering experience title and skills
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
Broad experience in propulsion testing and operations that may include one or more of the following:

Responsibilities

Serve as the Manager of the team of engineers and technicians who run liquid rocket engine propulsion tests
Design, construct, operate and maintain propulsion test facilities
Generate and execute detailed test procedures
Review and interpret test data for facility health and engine performance
Specify and procure components and propellants
Manage vendors and subcontractors
Plan and oversee facility schedule
Support requirements development in conjunction with the propulsion design team to establish needs for test sequencing
Establish requirements for new facility capability
Contribute to configuration management, quality, cost, and process control
Be an advocate for safety of the test team and the test stand operations

Desired Qualifications

Masters or PhD in an engineering discipline
Direct experience with liquid natural gas or liquid methane as a rocket propellant
Demonstrated excellence in leading a test program from concept to completion
Background of technical expertise in sub-component to full flight system testing
Software development for data acquisition and control systems
Working knowledge of complex IT systems associated with propulsion testing

Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. Our team is over 1,500 people strong and we’re adding to it every week. Collaboration is at our core – every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action oriented.

Life at Rocket Lab

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 TEST MANAGER- STENNIS TEST CENTER

You will be responsible for leading the team and engineering work for the Archimedes engine testing. You will focus on Archimedes achieving its functional requirements to the required quality and schedule. You will have 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 providing guidance and resource allocations to the rest of the team.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Serve as the Manager of the team of engineers and technicians who run liquid rocket engine propulsion tests
Design, construct, operate and maintain propulsion test facilities
Generate and execute detailed test procedures
Review and interpret test data for facility health and engine performance
Specify and procure components and propellants
Manage vendors and subcontractors
Plan and oversee facility schedule
Support requirements development in conjunction with the propulsion design team to establish needs for test sequencing
Establish requirements for new facility capability
Contribute to configuration management, quality, cost, and process control
Be an advocate for safety of the test team and the test stand operations

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

8+ years industry experience
Engineering degree
Experience from previous employment that meets engineering experience title and skills
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
Broad experience in propulsion testing and operations that may include one or more of the following:

Structural design and analysis
Cryogenics systems design
High pressure gas systems design
High fidelity analytical modelling including dynamic fluid models

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Masters or PhD in an engineering discipline
Direct experience with liquid natural gas or liquid methane as a rocket propellant
Demonstrated excellence in leading a test program from concept to completion
Background of technical expertise in sub-component to full flight system testing
Software development for data acquisition and control systems
Working knowledge of complex IT systems associated with propulsion testing

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 Biow 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.