Team Lead CFD

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets spacecraft and critical subsystems that keep the world connected protected expand humanitys reach to the Moon Mars and beyond. We move fast build real hardware for meaningful missions and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

While other companies talk about it we do it!

NEUTRON

Rocket Labs Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutrons structures and components to firing up its new Archimedes engines to setting up Neutrons launch pads and test sites across the United States joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time.

TEAM LEAD - CFD

As a Team Lead - CFDbased at Rocket Labs site inAuckland you will be leading a team of hard-working and mission-focusedthermofluid analyst in supporting analysis design validation andfuture improvements of Rocket Labs suite of Launch Vehicles SpaceSystems and Space Components.To be successful in this role you must be a role model for professional behavior.Youll be responsible forsetting the tone driving productivityandensuringdeadlines and targets are consistently met.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Lead complex thermofluids analysis for Rocket Labs launch vehicles and space systems including CFD simulations of hypersonic and subsonic aerodynamic flows internal fluid systems (compressible and incompressible flow) and heat transfer analysis (conduction convection and radiation)
• Drive cross-functional collaboration by working closely with design and test engineers to iterate design concepts process flight and ground test data to validate vehicle performance and identify anomalies using first principles physics and data analysis
• Shape technical direction by conducting peer reviews establishing analysis methodology documenting best practices and producing qualification test levels while coordinating knowledge sharing across global teams
• Mentor and develop the team by coaching junior analysts on technical best practices creating training opportunities establishing performance management plans and serving as a role model for professional behavior and effective team discussions

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree (Mechanical Aerospace or similar) with 5 years of industry experience from Aerospace Automotive or Marine sectors bringing a strong physics and first principles approach to problem-solving
• Expert-level CFD and thermal modeling skills with hands-on experience using industry-standard packages (Fluent CFX STAR-CCM Thermal Desktop THERMICA or NX SST) and proven ability to validate and document complex analyses
• Strong technical toolkit including proficiency with NX CAD/Teamcenter (or comparable packages) sensor selection and data post-processing and engineering programming expertise in Python (numpy pandas scipy matplotlib)
• Proven execution and communication abilities with demonstrated success delivering results under changing deadlines in high-pressure environments building strong cross-functional relationships and communicating effectively through written documents and presentations

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Structural analysis background with familiarity in structural mechanics and analysis techniques to complement thermofluids expertise and enable broader problem-solving capabilities
• Industry standards knowledge including experience with MIL-STD-1540 GSFC-STD-7000 ECSS-E-HB-32 NASA-STD-5001 or similar aerospace qualification standards
• Manufacturing process understanding with familiarity in conventional machining and additive manufacturing to inform design-for-manufacturability decisions
• Mentoring experience with a track record of developing junior engineers and supporting their technical growth through training on-the-job coaching and career development

If the above sounds like you apply now!

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.