Senior Thermofluids Analyst

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.

SENIOR THERMOFLUIDS 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 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 (compressible/incompressible flow, two-phase, aerodynamics, choked flow)
• Conduct heat transfer simulations including integrated thermal analyses (ITAs), component thermal analyses, aeroheating thermal response, and TPS specification
• Perform thermofluid analyses of launch vehicle systems including model development, numerical analysis, material selection, and performance optimization studies
• Collaborate with design and test engineers to iterate design concepts, determine test requirements, and demonstrate positive margins
• Process and interpret ground test and flight data to verify MPE bounds, detect anomalies, resolve sensor issues, and determine root causes using physical principles
• Conduct peer reviews, document methodologies, and produce test levels (Acceptance, Proto-qualification, Qualification) using approved margining approaches
• Support subsystem testing through test-analysis correlation, pre/post-test reports, and standardization of analysis procedures per industry best practice
• Develop propellant dynamics models (temperature, gas rejection, control strategies) and contribute to automation of test and flight data review processes

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• A degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering or similar field
• 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 Python and associated scientific packages: numpy, pandas, scipy, matplotlib
• Demonstrated thermal modelling of components, networks and lump masses
• Experience withexperimental test methods,sensor selection and data post-processing/ interpretation(thermocouples, pressure transducers, accelerometers, strain gauges, microphones etc.)
• The ability to work to deadlines within ahigh-pressureenvironment
• 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!