Senior Propulsion Automation & Test Systems Engineer

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive space enterprise dedicated to developing rockets, spacecraft, and key subsystems vital for global connectivity and protection, with ambitions extending to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The company emphasizes rapid innovation, produces tangible hardware for impactful missions, and normalizes extraordinary achievements. Join us to influence the future of space exploration.

Role Overview

Based at the Propulsion Test Complex (PTC), the Senior Propulsion Engineer - Automation and Test Systems will play a pivotal role in supporting testing, validating, and enhancing propulsion test stands to certify launch vehicle readiness and flight qualification. This role requires hands-on involvement in troubleshooting active test systems and designing, commissioning, and upgrading automated control and data systems to guarantee safe, dependable, and efficient propulsion testing. It is crucial that candidates are highly autonomous and comfortable managing complex automated systems as the on-site expert within a remote facility environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead on-site authority for propulsion test stand automation and control at PTC.
• Provide ongoing troubleshooting and operational assistance for live propulsion test infrastructure.
• Design, commission, and roll out enhancements for test systems and automation architectures.
• Develop and maintain test sequences, data acquisition routines, and control software using National Instruments platforms.
• Integrate PLCs, software, and hardware components to boost system reliability and testing throughput.
• Collaborate closely with remote engineering and Ground Systems Engineering teams to solve complex technical challenges.
• Pinpoint operational bottlenecks and apply continuous improvements to optimize test procedures.
• Support integration of test systems with enterprise-level tools, log management, and data pipelines.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Engineering fields such as Software, Electrical, Mechatronics, or comparable hands-on disciplines.
• Extensive experience with National Instruments tools including LabVIEW for test sequencing and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with industrial automation, especially PLC-based control platforms like Beckhoff.
• Proficiency in at least one programming language—Python, C, or C#—plus knowledge of engineering software toolchains.
• Practical experience working with instrumentation, sensors, and electromechanical systems in industrial settings.
• Demonstrated capability to independently diagnose and resolve intricate system issues during live operations.

Desirable Additional Skills

• Experience with fluid systems or test environments powered by fluids.
• Background in manufacturing automation or production line commissioning processes.
• Knowledge of SQL, data acquisition frameworks, or industrial data pipelines.
• Familiarity with National Instruments ecosystem tools such as TestStand and FlexLogger.
• Experience in integrating operational technologies with ERP/EIS platforms.
• Exposure to high-reliability or safety-focused testing environments.
• Comfort working in remote or autonomous engineering sites.

Company Culture and Expectations

Rocket Lab is committed to unlocking space's potential to improve life on Earth. Success demands hard work, innovation, determination, teamwork, and resilience. The environment values humility, collaborative effort, and dedication to mission goals over encountering challenges. Employees operate successfully under pressure and strict deadlines, maintaining focus on delivering outcomes.

Important Regulatory and Employment Notes

For US-based candidates: Compliance with US Government export controls (including ITAR) requires applicants to be US citizens, lawful permanent residents, or have appropriate legal authorizations.

For New Zealand-based candidates: Employment offers are contingent upon passing background and nationality checks conforming to ITAR regulations, requiring citizenship from designated countries and no ineligible dual nationality.

Rocket Lab is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on numerous legally protected categories. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities upon request.