Senior Propulsion and Fluids Test Engineer

About the role

Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Propulsion and Fluids Test Engineer to join its Space Systems team in Auckland. The role will own propulsion components and fluid systems through concept, qualification and production, ensuring they meet the demanding performance required for launch and in‑orbit missions.

Key responsibilities

• Design, build and operate test setups to validate propulsion and fluid hardware performance.
• Plan and execute test campaigns, including instrumentation, data collection and analysis.
• Troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues that arise during development and testing.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop new systems and improve existing designs.
• Navigate technical challenges across development, qualification and production phases.
• Review and approve test plans and reports to maintain engineering standards.
• Guide risk‑based decision‑making for propulsion and fluid systems.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge sharing.

Required profile

• Proven experience in propulsion and/or fluid systems testing in aerospace or related high‑tech environments.
• Strong analytical mindset with ability to interpret test data and drive engineering decisions.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and ability to work across cross‑functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to lead test campaigns from concept to production.

Required skills

• Propulsion component testing
• Fluid system testing
• Test instrumentation and data acquisition
• Hardware troubleshooting