Senior Propulsion Automation & Test Systems Engineer

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary on-site expert for propulsion test stand automation and control systems at PTC
• Provide day-to-day troubleshooting and operational support for live propulsion test infrastructure
• Design, commission, and implement upgrades to test systems and automation architecture
• Develop and maintain test sequences, data acquisition, and control systems using National Instruments platforms
• Integrate PLC, software, and hardware systems to improve reliability and test throughput
• Work closely with remote engineering teams and Ground Systems Engineering to resolve complex issues
• Identify bottlenecks in test operations and implement continuous improvement solutions
• Support integration of test systems with enterprise tools, logging systems, and data pipelines

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Software, Electrical, Mechatronics, or equivalent hands-on discipline)
• Strong experience with National Instruments systems (LabVIEW, test sequencing, troubleshooting)
• Experience with industrial automation systems, including PLC-based control systems
• Proficiency in at least one programming language (Python, C, or C#)
• Hands-on experience with instrumentation, sensors, and electromechanical systems in industrial environments
• Proven ability to independently troubleshoot and resolve complex systems issues in live operations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in fluid systems or fluid-powered test environments
• Background in manufacturing automation or production line commissioning
• Experience with SQL, data acquisition systems, or industrial data pipelines
• Familiarity with TestStand, FlexLogger, or other National Instruments ecosystem tools
• Experience integrating operational systems with ERP/EIS platforms
• Exposure to high-reliability or safety-critical test environments
• Experience working in remote or autonomous engineering site environments

About the Company

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more. The company aims to open access to space, with its Electron rocket being the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and its Space Systems business supporting NASA missions to the Moon and Mars.