Job Description

About The Role

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.  

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

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 Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. If you’re interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity! 

SENIOR THERMO-FLUIDS ANALYST  

Based out of Rocket Lab's our headquarters in Long Beach, CA the Senior Thermo-fluids Analyst will be directly contributing to the design and qualification of the Archimedes engine. You will be responsible for thermo-fluids modeling and analysis of components and engine systems, partnering with designers to ensure the engine and its subsystems achieve exceptional performance and meet requirements. In this role, you will utilize your understanding of fluid dynamics and thermodynamics to conduct CFD and thermo-fluid simulations, analyze modeling and testing results, and advise on technical matters related to your experience in thermo-fluids modeling and analysis. You will support the Neutron and Archimedes teams, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors. 

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:  

• Use commercial tools and develop specialized tools to solve difficult thermo-fluid analysis problems in Propulsion hardware 
• Work with designers, development engineers, and the manufacturing group to define and analyze hardware designs that meet heat transfer and fluid dynamics requirements while being manufacturable and reliable. 
• Create system, subassemblies, and individual parts analytical models. 
• Perform steady state and transient thermo-fluids and conjugate heat transfer analysis of heat exchange systems to predict fluid and structural temperatures, as well as heat and flow rates. 
• Develop standard practices for thermo-fluids analysis and common hand calculations to expedite hardware development. 
• Generate and maintain clear documentation of all performed analyses, including inputs, methods, and results to ensure proper communication during hardware reviews and qualification. 
• Support stage, engine and sub-system testing through data review and provide recommendations based on data and analysis. 
• Provide continued direction to the engineering team on highest value analysis and results deliverable schedule as the program evolves. 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline or equivalent 
• 5+ years of performing thermal and mass transfer analyses for aerospace hardware. 
• A good foundation on heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics analysis best practices. 
• Fundamental understanding of fluids design principles. 
• Familiarity with one or both of following tools: STAR-CCM+, ANSYS CFX or equivalent. 
• Prior experience in thermal/fluid hardware instrumentation and testing. 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:   

• Graduate degree  
• Professional experience with NX, and ANSYS mechanical. 
• Experience with best practices for design, qualification and production 
• Experience with a scrappy development environment 
• Experience with supporting failure investigations. 
• Proficient with the following tools: Thermal Desktop, GFSSP, and/or SINDA/FLUENT. 
• Prior experience analyzing rocket engine combustion devices and turbo pump components. 
• Fundamental understanding of mechanical design principles.  
• Familiar with performing CFD analysis on parallel computing systems. 
• Familiarity with one or more of the following topic areas: CHT, FSI, Multiphase, or Reacting Flow. 
• Familiarity with liquid engine qualification and certification using NASA-STDs 5012.  

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.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab.  Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$107,000—$133,800 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s 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 other’s 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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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.

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