Junior Thermofluids Analyst at Rocket Lab USA

Apply for Junior Thermofluids Analyst at Rocket Lab USA in Auckland City, N, NZ. This full‑time on‑site position offers great opportunities for career growth. 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. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, delivering more than 230 satellites to orbit, and we are developing our next medium‑lift reusable launch vehicle, Neutron. Role Overview 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, focusing on Neutron's aerodynamics, heating, plume interaction and compartment venting. Responsibilities Perform, validate, and document computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses for launch vehicle fluid systems, including compressible (choked flow, aerodynamics) and incompressible (internal, two‑phase) flow. Conduct heat‑transfer analyses covering conduction, convection, radiation, integrated thermal analyses (ITAs) for spacecraft, component thermal analyses, aeroheating response, and TPS specification. Execute and document thermofluid analyses of primary and secondary launch vehicle systems, including model development, numerical analysis, material selection, performance trade‑offs, and optimization. Work closely with design and test engineers to iterate design concepts, establish test requirements, and validate margins. 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. Conduct peer reviews of analyses, document data‑processing methodology, and produce test level reports (Acceptance, Proto‑qualification, Qualification). Support vehicle subsystem testing through test‑analysis correlation and preparation of pre/post‑test analysis reports. Standardize and catalog analysis procedures, develop propellant dynamics models, and contribute to automation of test and flight data review. Qualifications A degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering or similar field. 0–2 years industry experience, ideally from 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 CFD packages: Fluent, CFX, STAR‑CCM+. Experience in Python and 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.). Ability to work to deadlines in a high‑pressure environment. Proven communication skills and ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues and engineering professionals. Nice to Have Dynamic thermofluid systems: propellant dynamics (slosh, flow instabilities, Pogo). Propellant level sensing and control strategies, pumps, pressurisation systems and cryogenics experience. Thermodynamics of two‑phase, cryogenics or refrigeration systems. Compressible gas modelling of pressure vessels, pressurisation systems and piping. Knowledge of space thermal environments and modelling for orbital and ascent environments. Thermal protection system design, specification and implementation. Knowledge of HVAC system design and/or analysis. Experience with thermal modelling packages: Thermal Desktop, THERMICA, NXSST. Familiarity with SolidWorks CAD and PDM packages for model interrogation and defeaturing. Experience in Python package development and modelling (git, CI, deployment). Familiarity with industry standards (MIL‑STD‑1540, GSFC‑STD‑7000, ECSS‑E‑HB‑32, NASA‑STD‑5001). Equal Employment Opportunity Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Important Information for Candidates seeking to work in U.S. offices only To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or be 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, as applicable. Important Information for Candidates seeking to work in NewZealand offices only For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations. Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, NewZealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. #J-18808-Ljbffr