Stage Fluids Engineer II

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 scientific exploration, Earth observation, missions to combat climate change, national security, and new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered over 230 satellites to orbit. We are also developing Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft supporting NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

About the Role

A Stage Fluids Engineer II owns the design, build, and test of fluid systems across the Neutron launch vehicle. The team is responsible for all plumbing and fluid systems between the tanks and the engines. Your work will turn vehicle-level requirements into a fluid network that enables Neutron to operate with aircraft-like reusability and reliability.

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.
• 2+ years of experience in a hardware-rich environment.
• Strong understanding of how to start, execute, and complete an engineering project.
• Strong engineering fundamentals in fluid dynamics and thermodynamics.
• Working knowledge of how to select and design around fluid components such as valves, pressure vessels, flex elements, and fittings.
• Working knowledge of DfM/DfAM, machining processes, and welding processes.
• Working knowledge of integration processes and quality control relevant to fluid systems and components.

Preferred Qualifications

• 4+ 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 and instrumentation diagrams.
• Strong understanding of mechanical drafting and GD&T.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive professional relationships, and 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, or building 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 and Teamcenter.
• Proven ability to practically apply engineering fundamentals to solve real, complex problems.
• Demonstrated ability to rally a team to make and execute good decisions in a fast-paced environment with limited information.

Work Environment

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Pay

Base Pay Range (CA Only): $100,800 USD - $151,200 USD. Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.

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 and life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Discounted employee stock purchase program.
• Subsidized EV charging stations.
• Onsite gym, food, and drinks.
• Other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Additional Information

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates 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.