Senior Propulsion Automation & Test Systems Engineer

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive aerospace company providing responsive launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, satellite components, and more, with the overarching objective of enhancing space accessibility. Our rockets and satellites support critical space missions in scientific research, Earth monitoring, climate action, national security, and innovative technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket ranks as the second-most frequently launched U.S. rocket each year, having deployed over 230 satellites into orbit. Concurrently, we are advancing development of Neutron, a medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle designed to deploy larger satellite constellations. Our Space Systems division produces an extensive suite of satellites and payload components, including spacecraft selected for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, and components featured on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Role Summary

Based at Rocket Lab’s Propulsion Test Complex in Waikato, New Zealand, the Senior Propulsion Automation & Test Systems Engineer will lead efforts to support, validate, and continuously enhance propulsion test stands essential for launch vehicle certification and readiness. This role requires troubleshooting operational test systems and designing, commissioning, and upgrading automated control and data acquisition systems to ensure propulsion tests are performed safely, reliably, and efficiently.

This position demands a self-driven, practical engineer confident acting independently as the onsite specialist for complex automated testing systems in a remote facility. You will collaborate with engineering teams remotely, implement improvements, and directly impact mission success.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary subject matter expert on propulsion test stand automation and control systems at the Propulsion Test Complex.
• Provide daily troubleshooting and operational support for live propulsion test infrastructure.
• Design, commission, and execute upgrades to propulsion test systems and automation architecture.
• Develop and sustain test sequences, data acquisition, and control systems using National Instruments technology.
• Integrate PLC-controlled hardware and software systems to enhance test reliability and throughput.
• Collaborate closely with remote engineering groups and Ground Systems Engineering (GSE) to resolve complex technical challenges.
• Identify and address bottlenecks in test operations through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support integration of test systems with enterprise software tools, logging platforms, and data pipelines.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Software, Electrical, Mechatronics) or a comparable hands-on technical discipline.
• Substantial experience with National Instruments platforms including LabVIEW, test sequencing, and troubleshooting.
• Proficient with industrial automation systems, especially PLC-based control such as Beckhoff or equivalent.
• Programming skills in languages like Python, C, or C# and familiarity with engineering development toolchains.
• Practical experience with instrumentation, sensor technologies, and electromechanical systems in industrial contexts.
• Demonstrated ability to independently diagnose and resolve complex system issues during live operations.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Background in fluidics or fluid-powered test environments.
• Experience in manufacturing automation or commissioning production lines.
• Working knowledge of SQL, data acquisition systems, or industrial data pipelines.
• Familiarity with National Instruments ecosystem tools such as TestStand or FlexLogger.
• Experience integrating operational systems with ERP/EIS platforms.
• Exposure to high-reliability or safety-critical testing environments.
• Experience operating within remote or autonomous engineering site settings.

Additional Information

The role is remote but based at the Waikato facility. Rocket Lab highly values a culture of hard work, teamwork, innovation, and resilience. We expect an ability to perform under tight schedules and complex challenges with a solution-oriented approach and humility.

Important compliance notes:

• Applicants working in US offices must comply with U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR). Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, refugee/asylee status, or obtaining necessary authorizations.
• For New Zealand office applicants, security and nationality checks will be performed. Eligibility to access ITAR-restricted equipment/data mandates citizenship from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, EU member states, NATO countries, or similar, with restrictions on certain dual citizenships.

Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Reasonable accommodations for disabilities during application and interview processes are available upon request.