Senior Fluid Systems Engineer

Rocket Lab Corporation • Long Beach, CA

13d

About The Position

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 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. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope. NEUTRON Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. SENIOR FLUID SYSTEMS ENGINEER A Senior Fluid Systems Engineer, Neutron leads the design, build, and test of their fluid systems across the Neutron launch vehicle. You will collaborate with and provide guidance to a team of engineers in the Fluid Systems department to turn vehicle-level requirements into a fluid network that enables Neutron to operate with aircraft-like reusability and reliability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or relevant engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience designing, operating, troubleshooting fluids systems
• Strong engineering fundamentals in fluid dynamics and thermodynamics
• Solid understanding of fluid components such as valves, pressure vessels, flex elements & fittings
• Working knowledge of manufacturing, fabrication, integration processes & quality control relevant to fluid components (valves, flex hoses, tubing, bellows, etc.)

Nice To Haves

• 8+ years experience in a fast-paced aerospace environment where you have completed difficult projects while collaborating effectively with other key groups
• 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 systems
• Experience using fluids analysis tools such as REFPROP and GFSSP
• Experience using Siemens NX
• Experience using Python
• 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 information available

Responsibilities

• Perform trade studies and sizing – using hand-calcs, analytical models or test data – to define key elements of system architecture
• Provide guidance & mentorship to teammates on and beyond the fluids team to inform fluid system design, test & operations best practices
• Lead key fluid system design, manufacturing and test reviews
• Coordinate with component design, GSE, propulsion, GNC and other interrelated teams to solve multidisciplinary issues
• Create and maintain analytical models that characterize and predict system behavior under all relevant conditions
• Champion efforts to create and maintain piping and instrumentation diagrams, system CAD, production drawings, and system test and operations procedures
• Perform planning, analysis, and troubleshooting of system performance during real-time operations and post-test data reviews
• Project management including development schedules, vendor management, budgeting, etc.
• Create tools to enhance the team’s analysis capabilities, streamline workflow and optimize launch operations

Benefits

• Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & 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, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior