Thermofluids Analyst II

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a space technology company that delivers launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and related capabilities to expand access to space. Its vehicles and spacecraft support missions in scientific research, Earth observation, climate action, national security, and technology demonstration programs.

The company’s Electron rocket has become one of the most frequently launched U.S. rockets each year and has already carried more than 230 satellites to orbit. In parallel, Rocket Lab is advancing Neutron, its reusable medium-lift launch vehicle designed for larger constellation deployments. Its Space Systems division also builds satellites, payloads, and components, including hardware selected for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as parts used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Rocket Lab describes itself as a company that focuses on execution rather than discussion.

Neutron Program

The Neutron team is working to bring Rocket Lab’s new large rocket, along with its launch and test infrastructure, into operation. The work spans structures, components, Archimedes engines, and launch/test site setup across the United States, offering the chance to help prepare a new large launch vehicle for its first flights.

Role Overview

The integrated analysis function supports the development and operation of Neutron and Electron through modelling and simulation of dynamics, fluid flow, and thermodynamics. The team uses CFD, code-based flow modelling, and flight-data analysis to improve vehicle performance and guide design decisions.

In this Thermofluids Analyst II role, you will support analysis, design verification, and performance improvements for Rocket Lab’s launch vehicles. Your work will include concept development, trade studies, simulations, and evaluation of Neutron’s pressurisation, propellant management, and reaction control systems across ascent, descent, and on-orbit phases.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out, verify, and record CFD studies for launch vehicle fluid systems, including compressible and incompressible flow cases.
• Run heat-transfer simulations covering conduction, convection, and radiation.
• Perform integrated thermal analysis for spacecraft integrated with Rocket Lab launch vehicles.
• Complete component-level thermal assessments, aeroheating response studies, and thermal protection system specification work.
• Develop, validate, and document thermofluid analyses for primary and secondary launch vehicle systems.
• Create models, write supporting code, and perform numerical analysis, material selection, trade studies, and optimisation work.
• Partner with design and test engineers to refine concepts, define test needs, and confirm positive margins.
• Review ground-test and flight data, check components against MPE limits, and compare multiple flights to identify unusual trends.
• Investigate sensor setup issues such as grounding, calibration, damage, and naming inconsistencies.
• Use engineering principles such as heat transfer, flow, cryogenics, and pumps to diagnose vehicle anomalies from data.
• Take part in peer reviews and prepare clear methodology documentation for sign-off.
• Support acceptance, proto-qualification, and qualification testing through approved margining methods.
• Assist subsystem testing by correlating test and analysis results and producing pre- and post-test reports.
• Standardise and maintain analysis procedures in line with recognised industry practice.
• Build and refine propellant dynamics models for temperature, gas rejection, and control strategies.
• Help automate analysis, test review, and flight-data review workflows.

Requirements

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• 3 to 5 years of industry experience, preferably in aerospace, automotive, or marine sectors.
• Strong grasp of core engineering principles, including heat transfer, electronics, internal flow, and aerodynamics.
• Practical experience with fluid systems involving pressure loss, valves, and sensors.
• Hands-on experience using at least one CFD tool such as Fluent, CFX, or STAR-CCM+.
• Working knowledge of Python and scientific libraries such as numpy, pandas, scipy, and matplotlib.
• Proven ability to model thermal behaviour of components, networks, and lumped-mass systems.
• Experience with experimental testing, sensor selection, and post-processing or interpretation of data from thermocouples, pressure transducers, accelerometers, strain gauges, microphones, and similar instruments.
• Ability to meet deadlines in a demanding, high-pressure environment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build productive working relationships with engineers and colleagues.

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Exposure to dynamic thermofluid systems such as propellant slosh, flow instabilities, or pogo effects.
• Experience with propellant level sensing and control approaches.
• Background in pumps, pressurisation systems, and cryogenics.
• Knowledge of two-phase thermodynamics, refrigeration systems, or cryogenic systems.
• Experience modelling compressible gases in pressure vessels, pressurisation systems, and piping.
• Understanding of space thermal environments for both orbital and ascent conditions.
• Experience with thermal protection system design, specification, and implementation.
• Familiarity with HVAC design or analysis.
• Exposure to thermal tools such as Thermal Desktop, THERMICA, or NX SST.
• Working knowledge of Solidworks CAD and PDM tools, especially for model interrogation and defeaturing.
• Experience developing Python packages, including version control, CI, and deployment workflows.
• Awareness of relevant standards such as MIL-STD-1540, GSFC-STD-7000, ECSS-E-HB-32, and NASA-STD-5001.

Work Environment

Rocket Lab emphasises hard work, resilience, teamwork, and a practical, delivery-focused approach. The culture values collaboration, humility, and the ability to stay effective under pressure and tight deadlines.

Important Information

For roles based in the United States, employment is subject to export control requirements under ITAR and related regulations. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, or otherwise eligible for the necessary authorisations from the U.S. Department of State and/or Department of Commerce.

For New Zealand roles, background checks will be completed before any offer is made. These checks include nationality verification because access to regulated equipment and data is required under ITAR. Applicants may be ineligible if they do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO country, or if they have ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.

Rocket Lab states that it is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodation requests for the U.S. application or interview process are handled through a dedicated contact for candidates whose disabilities prevent them from applying or interviewing in the usual way.