Jonathan Zarate
About Jonathan Zarate
Jonathan Zarate is a Fluid Systems Engineer at Rocket Lab, where he has worked since 2023 in Long Beach, California. He has a background in aerospace engineering, with previous experience at organizations such as Aerojet Rocketdyne, NASA, and Firefly Aerospace.
Work at Rocket Lab
Jonathan Zarate has been employed as a Fluid Systems Engineer at Rocket Lab since 2023. He works in Long Beach, California, contributing to the development and optimization of fluid systems within the aerospace sector. His role involves applying his engineering skills to support Rocket Lab's mission of providing reliable launch services for small satellites.
Education and Expertise
Jonathan Zarate holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from California State University-Long Beach, which he completed from 2014 to 2018. He also earned a Master's degree in Astronautical Engineering from the University of Southern California, graduating in 2023. His educational background provides a solid foundation in aerospace principles and engineering practices.
Background
Before joining Rocket Lab, Jonathan gained diverse experience in the aerospace industry. He interned at Aerojet Rocketdyne as a Project & Component Engineering Intern from 2022 to 2023. His earlier experience includes a role as a Propulsion Intern at NASA Glenn Research Center in 2018 and as a Launch Engineering Intern at Firefly Aerospace in 2019. He also worked at the USC Liquid Propulsion Laboratory in various capacities, including Lead Engineer and Feed System Development Engineer.
Internship Experience
Jonathan Zarate has completed multiple internships that have shaped his engineering career. He served as a Propulsion Intern at NASA Glenn Research Center for two months in 2018. He later worked as a Launch Engineering Intern at Firefly Aerospace for six months in 2019. Additionally, he was a Project & Component Engineering Intern at Aerojet Rocketdyne from 2022 to 2023, gaining hands-on experience in various engineering projects.
Professional Development
Jonathan has actively participated in various engineering roles throughout his career. He worked as a Propulsion & Engine Team Assistant with the CSULB Beach Launch Team from 2017 to 2019. He also held the position of Feed System Development Engineer at USC Liquid Propulsion Laboratory in 2021 and served as Lead Engineer in 2022. These roles have contributed to his professional growth and expertise in fluid systems and propulsion engineering.