Stage Fluids Engineer

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 – all with the goal of opening access to 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 

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. 

STAGE FLUIDS ENGINEER II

A Stage Fluids Engineer II owns the design, build, and test of their fluid systems across the Neutron launch vehicle. Our team owns all plumbing and fluid systems between the tanks and the engines. Your work within the Fluid Systems department will turn vehicle-level requirements into a fluid network that enables Neutron to operate with aircraft-like reusability and reliability.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Design plumbing systems, components, and their secondary structures.
• Analyze these systems and components in the harsh and dynamic environments of launch.
• Model these systems to characterize and predict system behavior at all conditions.
• Test and qualify these systems and components.
• Manage requirements, realization, and implementation of systems in the larger launch vehicle context.
• Integrate your hardware into the vehicle.
• Review data from component, system, and vehicle level testing to optimize and improve future designs.
• Collaborate with components, propulsion, structures, mechanical, operations, and flight software teams to develop and define vehicle functions.
• Create tools to enhance the team’s analysis capabilities, streamline workflow and optimize launch operations.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or relevant engineering discipline.
• 2+ years of experience in a hardware rich environment.
• Strong understanding on how to start, execute, and complete an engineering project.
• Strong engineering fundamentals in fluid dynamics and thermodynamics
• Working knowledge of how to select and design around fluid components such as valves, pressure vessels, flex elements & fittings.
• Working knowledge of DfM/DfAM, machining processes, and welding processes.
• Working knowledge of integration processes & quality control relevant to fluid systems & components.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 4+ years of experience in a fast-paced aerospace environment where you have completed difficult projects while collaborating effectively with other key groups.
• Strong understanding of how to design for classic aerospace constraints: minimizing mass while maintaining manufacturability, function, and low costs.  
• Ability to read, write, and manage plumbing & instrumentation diagrams.
• Strong understanding of mechanical drafting and GD&T.
• 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, and/or cryogenic systems.
• Experience using fluids analysis tools such as REFPROP, AMESIM, and/or GFSSP. Alternatively, have built your own fluid network solver in Python, Excel, or other tools.
• Experience using mechanical analysis tools such as ANSYS or NASTRAN.
• Experience using Siemens NX & Teamcenter.
• 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 limited information.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab.  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.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$100,800—$151,200 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work, and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.   

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US 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 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. Learn more about ITAR here.

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. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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 CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND 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, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality.  For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.