Electric Propulsion Test Engineer

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

LAUNCH YOUR CAREER IN SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Are you ready to be part of New Zealand's space revolution? We're seeking a passionate Electric Propulsion Test Engineer (Development Engineer) to join our Ion Propulsion team, working on cutting-edge technology that powers the future of space exploration.

THE MISSION

As a Development Engineer, you'll be at the forefront of ion propulsion development, testing new systems and innovating existing designs. Working hands-on with sophisticated hardware, you'll solve complex engineering challenges that directly impact our missions and products. This is your opportunity to work alongside talented development engineers, designers, analysts, and technicians in a collaborative environment where your contributions truly matter.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Hands-on Testing : Execute test activities for ion propulsion systems and components

Innovation : Develop test equipment, procedures, and analysis methods to advance vehicle testing capabilities

Problem-Solving : Proactively identify and resolve quality issues and technical challenges

Documentation : Create thorough technical documentation following company standards

Collaboration : Work closely with cross-functional teams on anomaly resolution and design improvements

Automation : Develop and maintain data processing and test automation code

Production Support : Transition acceptance testing processes to production teams

WHAT YOU BRING

Essential

Passion & Curiosity : A genuine enthusiasm for engineering and a hunger to learn

Education & Experience : Degree in engineering or physics with 1+ years of relevant industry experience

Ownership Mindset : Strong sense of responsibility and drive to see projects through to completion

Hands-On Skills : Proven experience building or testing mechanical or electromechanical components/systems

Problem-Solving : Exceptional analytical abilities and meticulous attention to detail

Communication : Excellent reading and writing skills

Desirable

Experience with electric propulsion testing, vacuum systems, high voltage, or particle beams

Background in rocket engines, fluid components, or spacecraft propulsion systems

Python programming capabilities for data manipulation and post-processing

Experience with instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition systems

You're someone who

Thrives on tough engineering challenges with a positive, can-do attitude

Takes ownership and delivers results on schedule

Communicates transparently and provides constructive feedback

Adapts flexibly to support team needs

Believes no task is beneath them

Maintains professionalism and follows safety protocols rigorously

WHY JOIN US?

Work on real space missions with tangible impact

Collaborate with a world-class engineering team

Develop your career in New Zealand's growing space industry

Engage with cutting-edge ion propulsion technology

Contribute to innovations that push the boundaries of space exploration

READY FOR LIFTOFF?

If you're motivated by complex engineering challenges and want to contribute to humanity's future in space, we want to hear from you.

Apply now to join Space Systems NZ and help shape the future of space propulsion.

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.

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 Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. 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.