Thermofluids Analyst II

ThermoFluids Analyst II – Neutron Team 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. Overview 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 activities include concept development, trade studies, simulations, and performance evaluation around Neutron’s pressurisation, propellant management, and reaction‑control systems across all flight phases (Ascent, Descent, On‑Orbit). Responsibilities Conduct concept development, trade studies, and run simulations to evaluate performance around Neutron’s pressurisation, propellant management, and reaction‑control systems. Perform and validate CFD analyses of launch vehicle fluid systems, including: Compressible flow (choked flow, aerodynamics) Incompressible flow (internal, two‑phase) Perform heat‑transfer simulations (conduction, convection, radiation) and conduct integrated thermal analyses of spacecraft integrated to launch vehicles, component thermal analyses, aero‑heating response, and TPS specification. Perform, validate, and document thermofluid analyses of primary and secondary launch vehicle systems, including model development, numerical analysis, material selection, performance trade‑off studies, and optimization. Work closely with design and test engineers to iterate through design concepts, determine test requirements, and demonstrate positive margins. Process and interpret ground test and flight data, determining if vehicle components remain within MPE bounds, comparing sensor data across multiple flights, and identifying/resolving sensor configuration issues. Use a strong understanding of physical principles (heat transfer, flow, cryogenics, pumps) to determine the root cause of vehicle anomalies through data analysis. Conduct peer reviews of analyses, document data processing methodology, and produce Acceptance, Proto‑qualification, and Qualification test levels through consistent margining approaches. Support testing of vehicle subsystems, correlate test and analysis results, and prepare pre‑ and post‑test analysis reports. Standardise and catalogue analysis procedures in line with industry best practice. Develop new and existing propellant dynamics models around temperature, gas rejection, and control strategies. Contribute to the improvement and automation of test and flight data review. Required Qualifications A degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering or similar field. 3–5 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 with experimental test methods, sensor selection and data post‑processing/interpretation (thermocouples, pressure transducers, accelerometers, strain gauges, microphones, etc.). The ability to work to deadlines within a high‑pressure environment. Proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues and engineering professionals. 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 of 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). Important Information 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, 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. 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. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [email protected]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days. 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, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. #J-18808-Ljbffr