Senior Thermofluids Analyst

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive space enterprise providing responsive launch services, satellite design and manufacturing, payloads, and satellite components. Our mission is to enhance accessibility to space by supporting critical missions across scientific research, Earth observation, climate initiatives, national security, and groundbreaking technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket is the second most frequently launched US rocket annually delivering over 230 satellites. We are also developing Neutron, a medium-lift reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment, alongside an extensive line of spacecraft and components including those for NASA's Moon and Mars missions and the James Webb Space Telescope.

Role Overview

The Neutron team is tasked with the design, testing, and setup of our new large rocket Neutron, including its launch and test sites across the United States. As a Senior Thermofluids Analyst, you will join Rocket Lab's integrated analysis team, focusing on modeling and simulation to resolve complex dynamics, fluid flow, and thermodynamics challenges affecting Neutron and Electron launch vehicles. Your expertise will be instrumental in analyzing, validating, and enhancing vehicle operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct and validate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations related to fluid systems on launch vehicles, including compressible and incompressible flows, two-phase flow, aerodynamics, and choked flow.
• Perform heat transfer analyses encompassing integrated thermal analyses (ITAs), component-level thermal studies, aeroheating responses, and thermal protection system (TPS) specifications.
• Execute thermofluid system analyses involving model creation, numerical studies, material selections, and performance optimization for launch vehicle systems.
• Partner with design and testing teams to refine design concepts, define test requirements, and ensure designs meet safety and performance margins.
• Analyze ground test and flight data to confirm maximum predicted environments (MPE) boundaries, diagnose anomalies, resolve sensor malfunctions, and identify root causes using physical principles.
• Lead peer reviews, document analytic approaches, and prepare test levels (Acceptance, Proto-qualification, Qualification) while applying recognized margining standards.
• Support subsystem testing through test-analysis alignment, creation of pre- and post-test reports, and establishment of standardized analysis methodologies aligned with best industry practices.
• Develop models for propellant dynamics covering temperature changes, gas rejection, and control strategies; contribute to automating test and flight data evaluation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant industry experience, preferably within aerospace, automotive, or marine sectors.
• In-depth knowledge of fundamental physical principles including heat transfer, electrical systems, internal fluid flow, and aerodynamics.
• Experience in fluid engineering with attention to pressure losses, valves, and sensor integration.
• Proficiency with at least one commercial CFD software such as Fluent, CFX, or STAR-CCM+.
• Strong programming skills in Python with familiarity in scientific libraries including numpy, pandas, scipy, and matplotlib.
• Demonstrated experience in thermal modeling involving components, systems, and lumped mass approximations.
• Hands-on knowledge of experimental test methodologies, sensor selection, and data processing/interpretation for instruments like thermocouples, pressure transducers, accelerometers, strain gauges, and microphones.
• Capability to perform effectively under tight deadlines in high-pressure environments.
• Excellent communication skills with an ability to foster strong collaborative relationships across engineering teams.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Experience with dynamic thermofluid systems, including propellant slosh, flow instability, and pogo phenomena.
• Knowledge of propellant level sensing and control strategies as well as cryogenic systems.
• Understanding of two-phase thermodynamics, cryogenics, and refrigeration cycles.
• Experience modeling compressible gases in pressure vessels, pressurization systems, and piping networks.
• Familiarity with spacecraft thermal environments during orbital and ascent phases.
• Experience with thermal protection system design, specification, and implementation.
• HVAC system design and analysis expertise.
• Proficiency in thermal modeling tools such as Thermal Desktop, THERMICA, or NX SST.
• Work experience with CAD software like SolidWorks and product data management systems, focusing on model interrogation and preparation for analysis.
• Python package creation, version control using git, continuous integration, and deployment experience.
• Awareness of aerospace industry standards including MIL-STD-1540, GSFC-STD-7000, ECSS-E-HB-32, and NASA-STD-5001.

Additional Employment Details

Candidates working in the United States must comply with ITAR regulations requiring US citizenship, permanent residency, refugee or asylum status, or appropriate government authorizations. Employment opportunities are offered equally with no discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other legally protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodations are provided upon request for candidates with disabilities.

For New Zealand offices, background and nationality checks will be conducted to ensure eligibility under ITAR regulations. Eligibility typically requires citizenship from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, NATO countries, or compliant dual citizenship.