Senior Stage Fluids Engineer I

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 to 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 rockethas 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 capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow high assurance payloads and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Labs proven execution history with the Electron program.

SENIOR STAGE FLUIDS ENGINEER I

A Senior Stage Fluids Engineer I Neutron owns the design build test and review of multiple fluid systems across the Neutron launch vehicle. Our team owns all plumbing and systems between the tanks and the engines. Your work within the Fluid Systems department will turn vehicle-level requirements into a fluid network that enables Neutron to operate with aircraft-like reusability and reliability.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO

• Design plumbing systems components and their secondary structures. Provide feedback to your peers on their designs drawings and methodology.
• Analyze these systems and components in the harsh and dynamic environments of launch. Review and provide feedback for critical structural analysis of fluid components and systems.
• Model these systems to characterize and predict system behavior at all conditions. Understand and interpret models of others and work to improve efficacy of modelling.
• Test and qualify these systems components and modules.
• Manage requirements realization and implementation of systems in the larger launch vehicle context.
• Integrate your hardware into the vehicle.
• Review data from component system and vehicle level testing to optimize and improve future designs.
• Collaborate with components propulsion structures mechanical operations and flight software teams to develop and define vehicle functions.
• Create tools to enhance the teams analysis capabilities streamline workflow and optimize launch operations.
• Set the standard for design production and testing processes. Enforce these standards across the program and beyond.
• Mentor and grow your peers to strengthen the overall team.

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering or relevant engineering discipline.
• 5 years of experience in a hardware rich environment.
• Experience withfluid components design and usage for valves pressure vessels flex elements & fittings.
• Experience with DfM/DfAM machining processes and welding processes with a proven understanding of mechanical drafting and GD&T.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 8 years of experience in a fast-paced aerospace environment where you have completed difficult projects while collaborating effectively with other key groups.
• Strong understanding of how to design for classic aerospace constraints: minimizing mass while maintaining manufacturability function and low costs.
• Ability to earn trust maintain positive professional relationships & contribute to a culture of inclusion.
• Experience working with a distributed team across the globe.
• Advanced degree in a fluid mechanics-heavy field.
• Experience with oxygen methane and/or cryogenic systems.
• Experience using Siemens NX & Teamcenter.
• Demonstrated ability to rally a team to make & execute good decisions in a fast-paced environment with limited information.
• Experience with Aerospace Processes Standards and Workflows from JIRA to AS9100.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision peripheral vision depth perception and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit use hands and fingers operate computer keyboard and controls and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings.
• Occasional exposure to dust fumes and moderate levels of noise.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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.

Important information:

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 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.