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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Propulsion Test Engineer - **Company:** Rocket Lab - **Location:** Center, MS, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Configuration Management, Software Engineering, System Testing, Test Data, Information Technology - **Published:** September 26, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.juju.com/job/16_4e5d9ae9 ## About the Role * 5+ years industry experience * Engineering degree * Experience from previous employment that meets engineering experience title and skills * Demonstrated skills within the rocket propulsion industry where applicable to deliver required company outcomes * Proven track record of leading a team to deliver multiple complete and successful engineering projects from conception to operation * Broad experience in propulsion testing and operations that may include one or more of the following: + Structural design and analysis + Cryogenics systems design + High pressure gas systems design + High fidelity analytical modelling including dynamic fluid models, * Masters or PhD in an engineering discipline * Direct experience with liquid natural gas or liquid methane as a rocket propellant * Demonstrated excellence in leading a test program from concept to completion * Background of technical expertise in sub-component to full flight system testing * Software development for data acquisition and control systems * Working knowledge of complex IT systems associated with propulsion testing This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas 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. ## Description As the Lead Propulsion Test Engineer you will be responsible for leading the team and engineering work for our Archimedes engine testing and ensuring we achieve functional requirements meet our desired quality and schedule. You will have the scope to direct the team's engineering efforts across multiple disciplines in the best interest of the company to ensure Archimedes success., * Serve as the Manager of the team of engineers and technicians who run liquid rocket engine propulsion tests * Generate and execute detailed test procedures * Review and interpret test data for facility health and engine performance * Specify and procure components and propellants * Manage vendors and subcontractors * Plan and oversee facility schedule * Support requirements development in conjunction with the propulsion design team to establish needs for test sequencing * Establish requirements for new facility capability * Contribute to configuration management, quality, cost, and process control * Be an advocate for safety of the test team and the test stand operations ## Related Videos - [Dirty Tests And How To Clean Them](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/515-dirty-tests-and-how-to-clean-them) - [How To Test A Ball of Mud](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/173-how-to-test-a-ball-of-mud) - [The Avengers Initiative (Practical Ethics for Software Engineers)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2070-the-avengers-initiative-practical-ethics-for-software-engineers) - [Engineering/Manager Pendulum: Generating compound interest on your career](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100348-engineering-manager-pendulum-generating-compound-interest-on-your-career) - [Modern Data Architectures need Software Engineering](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1030-modern-data-architectures-need-software-engineering) - [Stop Guessing, Start Measuring: Evaluating RAG Systems with Synthetic Test Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1982-stop-guessing-start-measuring-evaluating-rag-systems-with-synthetic-test-data) ## Related Articles - [The Prompt Engineer ✍️](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/216-the-prompt-engineer) - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Prompt Engineering is a Job of the Past](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/342-prompt-engineering-is-a-job-of-the-past) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Promotion Interview Questions: How to Answer and Get the Job](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/413-promotion-interview-questions-how-to-answer-and-get-the-job) - [How to Tell if Something Was Written by ChatGPT](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/314-how-to-tell-if-something-was-written-by-chatgpt)