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 rocket has 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.
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.
JUNIOR AERODYNAMICS ANALYST
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 Junior Aerodynamics Engineer 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 aerodynamics, heating, plume interaction and compartment venting. You will be responsible for evaluating aerodynamic control, flow feature characterisation, and representing these by generating aero-table databases.
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:
- CFD Analysis: Perform, validate, and document computational fluid dynamics analyses for launch vehicle fluid systems, including compressible flow (choked flow, aerodynamics) and incompressible flow (internal, two-phase)
- Thermal Simulations: Conduct heat transfer analyses covering conduction, convection, and radiation, including integrated thermal analyses (ITAs) for spacecraft, component thermal analyses, aeroheating thermal response, and TPS specification
- Thermofluid Analysis: Execute and document thermofluid analyses of primary and secondary launch vehicle systems, encompassing model development, numerical analysis, material selection, performance trade-offs, and optimization
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with design and test engineers to iterate design concepts, establish test requirements, and validate positive margins
- Data Processing & Interpretation: Analyze ground test and flight data to verify components remain within MPE bounds, compare multi-flight sensor data, identify anomalies, and resolve sensor configuration issues using strong physics principles
- Quality Assurance: Conduct peer reviews of analyses, document data processing methodology for sign-off, and produce test levels (Acceptance, Proto-qualification, Qualification) using approved margining approaches
- Test Support: Support vehicle subsystem testing through test-analysis correlation and preparation of pre/post-test analysis reports
- Process Standardization: Standardize and catalog analysis procedures following industry best practices, develop propellant dynamics models, and contribute to automation of test and flight data review
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- A degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering or similar field
- 0-2 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 Python 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)
