Stage Fluids Engineer I

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Design plumbing systems, components, and their secondary structures.
• Analyze these systems and components in the harsh and dynamic environments of launch.
• Model these systems to characterize and predict system behavior at all conditions.
• Test and qualify these systems and components.
• Manage requirements, realization, and implementation of systems in the larger launch vehicle context.
• Integrate your hardware into the vehicle.
• Review data from component, system, and vehicle level testing to optimize and improve future designs.
• Collaborate with components, propulsion, structures, mechanical, operations, and flight software teams to develop and define vehicle functions.
• Create tools to enhance the team’s analysis capabilities, streamline workflow, and optimize launch operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or relevant engineering discipline.
• Working knowledge of how to select and design around fluid components such as valves, pressure vessels, flex elements & fittings.
• Working knowledge of DfM/DfAM, machining processes, and welding processes.
• Working knowledge of integration processes & quality control relevant to fluid systems & components.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in a fast-paced aerospace environment where you have completed difficult projects while collaborating effectively with other key groups.
• Strong understanding of how to design for classic aerospace constraints: minimizing mass while maintaining manufacturability, function, and low costs.
• Ability to read, write, and manage plumbing & instrumentation diagrams.
• Strong understanding of mechanical drafting and GD&T.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive professional relationships, & contribute to a culture of inclusion.
• Experience working with a distributed team across the globe.
• Advanced degree in a fluid mechanics-heavy field.
• Experience with oxygen, methane, and/or cryogenic systems.
• Experience using fluids analysis tools such as REFPROP, AMESIM, and/or GFSSP. Alternatively, have built your own fluid network solver in Python, Excel, or other tools.
• Experience using mechanical analysis tools such as ANSYS or NASTRAN.
• Experience using Siemens NX & Teamcenter.
• Proven ability to practically apply engineering fundamentals to solve real, complex problems.
• Demonstrated ability to rally a team to make & execute good decisions in a fast-paced environment with limited information.

Skills

• Experience with fluid systems design and analysis.
• Knowledge of aerospace engineering principles and practices.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.

Benefits

• Top tier medical HMO, PPO, and 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.
• Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Pay

Base pay range (CA only): $82,400 USD - $123,600 USD

Schedule

Full-time position.