Thermofluids Analyst II

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.

THERMOFLUIDS ANALYST II

Rocket Labs integrated analysis team contributes to the operation and development of Neutron& Electronby using modelling and simulation to solve challenging problems involving dynamics fluid flow and thermodynamics. Whether it is using CFD simulations writing code to model flow physics or applying data analysis on flight measurements tounderstand & improvevehicle performance analysis is critical to guide changes and develop the capability ofourlaunchvehicles.

As aThermofluidsAnalyst IIin Rocket Labs Thermofluids Analysis team you will contribute to the analysis design validation and improvements of Rocket Labs launch vehicles.

Day to day you will be expected toconductconcept development perform trade studies run simulations and evaluate performance around Neutronspressurisation propellant management and reaction control will be responsible for evaluatingsystem sizingpropellant depletion sloshpropellant loading & conditioning and CONOPS across all flight phases (Ascent Descent On-Orbit).

Join a driven team thats tackling challenging projects delivering on exciting missions and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Perform validate and document CFD analyses of launch vehicle fluid systems including:
  • Compressible flow (choked flow Aerodynamics)
  • Incompressible flow(internaltwo phase)
• Perform heat transfer simulations (conduction convection and radiation) including:
  • Conduct integrated thermal analyses (ITAs) of spacecraft integrated to Rocket Lablaunch vehicles.
  • Component thermal analyses
  • Aeroheatingthermal response
  • TPS specification
• Perform validate and document thermofluidanalyses of primary and secondary launch vehicle systems including:
  • Model development and coding
  • Numerical Analysis
  • Material selection
  • Performance trade-off studies
  • Performance optimization
• Work closely with design and test engineers to iterate through design concepts determine test requirements and demonstrate positive margins
• Process and interpret ground test and flight data including:
  • Determining if vehicle components remain within MPE bounds
  • Comparing sensor data across multiple flights to detect out-of-family results
  • Identifying and resolving sensor configuration issues (grounding calibration damage naming etc.)
  • Using a strong understanding of physical principles (e.g. heat transfer flow cryogenics pumps etc.) to determine the root cause of vehicle anomalies through data analysis
• Conduct peer reviews of analyses
• Document data processing methodology thoroughly for peer review and sign-off
• Produce Acceptance Proto-qualification and Qualification test levels through the consistent application of approved margining approaches
• Support testing of vehicle subsystems through correlation of test and analysis results and preparation of pre and post-test analysis reports
• Standardise and catalogue analysis procedures in line with industry best practice
• Develop new and existing propellantdynamicsmodelsaround temperature gas rejection and control strategies
• Contribute to the improvement and automation of test and flight data review

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• A degree in Mechanical Aerospace Engineering or similar field
• 3-5 years industry experience ideallyfrom the Aerospace Automotive or Marine industries
• Strong understanding of physical principles (heat transfer electronics internal flow aerodynamicsetc.)
• Fluid engineering experience around pressure loss valves and sensors
• Demonstrated experience with one or more industry standard CFD packages: Fluent CFX STAR-CCM
• Experience in Pythonand associated scientificpackages:numpy pandasscipy matplotlib
• Demonstrated thermal modellingof components networks and lumpmasses
• Experience withexperimental test methodssensor selection and data post-processing/ interpretation(thermocouples pressure transducers accelerometers strain gauges microphones etc.)
• The ability to work to deadlines within ahigh-pressureenvironment
• Proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues and engineering professionals

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience with dynamicthermofluidsystems:
  • Propellant Dynamics (slosh flow instabilities Pogo)
  • Propellant level sensing and control strategies
  • Pumps pressurisation systems and cryogenics experience
  • Thermodynamics of 2-phase cryogenics or refrigeration systems
• Compressible gas modelling of pressure vessels pressurisation systems and piping
• Knowledge around space thermal environments and modelling for both orbital and ascent environments
• Thermal protection system design specification and implementation.
• Knowledge of HVAC system design and/oranalysis.
• Experience with one or more industry standard thermal modelling packages: Thermal Desktop THERMICA NX SST
• Familiarity using SolidworksCAD and PDM packages (or comparable industry standard packages) with emphasis on model interrogation and defeaturing for subsequent analyses
• Experience in Python package development and modelling (git CI deployment)
• Familiarity with industry standards (e.g.MIL-STD-1540 GSFC-STD-7000 ECSS-E-HB-32 NASA-STD-5001)

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.