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 humanity’s 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 Lab’s Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron’s structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron’s 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 Lab’s integrated analysis team contributes to the operation and development of Neutron & Electron by 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 to understand & improve vehicle performance, analysis is critical to guide changes and develop the capability of our launch vehicles.

As a Thermofluids Analyst II in Rocket Lab’s Thermofluids Analysis team you will contribute to the analysis, design validation, and improvements of Rocket Lab’s launch vehicles.

Day to day, you will be expected to conduct concept development, perform trade studies, run simulations, and evaluate performance around Neutron’s pressurisation, propellant management, and reaction control systems. You will be responsible for evaluating system sizing, propellant depletion, slosh, propellant loading & conditioning, and CONOPS across all flight phases (Ascent, Descent, On-Orbit).

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

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

Perform, validate, and document CFD analyses of launch vehicle fluid systems including:

Compressible flow (choked flow , Aerodynamics )

Incompressible flow (internal, two phase )

Perform heat transfer simulations (conduction, convection and radiation ) including:

Conduct integrated thermal analyses (ITAs) of spacecraft integrated to Rocket Lab launch vehicle s .

Component thermal analyses

Aeroheating thermal response

TPS specification

Perform, validate, and document thermofluid analyses of primary and secondary launch vehicle systems, including:

Model development and coding

N umerical 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 p ropellant dynamics models around temperature, gas rejection and control strategies

Contribute to the improvement and automation of test and flight data review

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

A degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering or similar field

3-5 years industry experience, ideally from the Aerospace, Automotive or Marine industries

Strong understanding of physical principles (heat transfer, electronics, internal flow, aerodynamics, etc.)

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 P ython and associated scientific packages : numpy , pandas, scipy , matplotlib

Demonstrated thermal modelling of components, networks and lump masses

Experience with experimental test methods, sensor selection and data post-processing/ interpretation (thermocouples, pressure transducers, accelerometers, strain gauges, microphones etc.)

The ability to work to deadlines within a high-pressure environment

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 dynamic thermofluid systems:

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/or analysis.

Experience with one or more industry standard thermal modelling packages: Thermal Desktop, THERMICA, NX SST

Familiarity using Solidworks CAD 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

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, layof