ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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

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!

COMBUSTION DEVICES ENGINEER II/SENIOR COMBUSTION DEVICES ENGINEER

Based out of Rocket Lab’s headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Combustion Devices Engineer II/Senior Combustion Devices Engineer is responsible for the design, development, manufacturing support for one or more of a variety of combustion devices (injectors, thrust chamber, preburners, etc). for the Archimedes Engine. In this role you’ll have opportunities to take ownership of a component from design through to implementation. You will support the Neutron and Archimedes teams, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Define requirements, test plan, flight qualification plans for combustion devices.
Work with turbomachinery, engine systems, manufacturing and testing groups to design and manufacture hardware.
Design, analyze, and perform trades studies to achieve design goals
Work with manufacturing teams to support fabrication, design for manufacturability and resolve issues that may arise during prototype builds.
Work with the test and launch teams to develop, qualify, fly, and re-fly your hardware.
support

NOTE: This position can be hired as a Combustion Devices Engineer II or Senior Combustion Devices Engineer Level.

COMBUSTION DEVICES ENGINEER II, YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or equivalent
2+ years of combustion device design experience
Knowledge of heat transfer, fluids and structural mechanics
Fundamental understanding of mechanical design principals

SENIOR COMBUSTION DEVICES ENGINEER, YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or equivalent
5+ years of combustion device design experience
Knowledge of heat transfer, fluids and structural mechanics
Fundamental understanding of mechanical design principals

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

Master’s degree
Proficiency in GD&T
Professional experience with NX, Ansys, or similar tools.
Rocket combustion devices
Experience with best practices for design, qualification and production
Experience with a scrappy development environment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to travel and communicate outside of work hours
Must be able to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
Must be physically able to commute to buildings
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

Pay Range:

Combustion Devices Engineer - Level II: $75,000-$130,000

Senior Combustion Devices Engineer: $90,000-$160,000

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

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, childcare concierge, 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.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$75,000—$160,000 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 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.

Compensation Overview

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth