Senior Combustion Devices Engineer II / Principal Combustion Devices Engineer

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Rocket Lab

Long Beach, CA

On-site

Posted February 14, 2026

Job Description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. 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 become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

NEUTRON

Neutron is a medium-lift launch vehicle being developed by Rocket Lab, a publicly traded end-to-end space company. The rocket can deliver the mega constellations of tomorrow, enable interplanetary payloads, and support human spaceflight. As a reusable platform, Neutron will deliver a very cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven history with Electron – the third most launched rocket, worldwide, in 2024. If you’re interested in joining an incredible team in a fast-paced and rewarding environment, this is your opportunity.

SENIOR COMBUSTION DEVICES ENGINEER II / PRINCIPAL COMBUSTION DEVICES ENGINEER

Based out of Rocket Lab's headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Principal/Senior Combustion Devices Engineer will be responsible for the development of one or more combustion devices (preburners, main injectors, thrust chambers assemblies and vacuum nozzles). These devices are an integral portion of the 200,000 lbf Archimedes engine, which operates in a demanding but efficient ox-rich, staged combustion architecture.

In this role, you’ll take ownership of all aspects of a component: design and analysis, manufacturing and test support, and successful flights and subsequent, high-cadence, re-flights. By doing so, you will help propel the Neutron rocket, expanding human capabilities in space and providing value to the company and its shareholders.

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

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Design, analyze, and perform trades studies to achieve programmatic targets.
Define requirements, test and flight qualification plans.
Work with the interface owners, like turbomachinery and engine systems teams, to make a high-end product that could be iterated fast and seamlessly.
Work with manufacturing and build engineers to design easily manufacturable, cost-effective, beautiful parts.
Work with the test and launch teams to interpret data and provide solutions to enable a high cadence – of tests, flights and re-flights.

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

Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or equivalent
8+ years of combustion device design experience
In-depth knowledge of combustion and fluid dynamics, heat transfer and structural mechanics.
Fundamental understanding of design principals and manufacturing methods.

AS A PRINCIPAL COMBUSTION DEVICES ENGINEER, YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS: