Team Lead

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. 

While other companies talk about it, we do it!

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.

TEAM LEAD - CFD

As a Team Lead - CFD based at Rocket Lab’s site in Auckland, you will be leading a team of hard-working and mission-focused thermofluid analyst in supporting analysis, design validation, and future improvements of Rocket Lab's suite of Launch Vehicles, Space Systems, and Space Components. To be successful in this role, you must be a role model for professional behavior. You’ll be responsible for setting the tone, driving productivity, and ensuring deadlines and targets are consistently met.  

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Lead complex thermofluids analysis for Rocket Lab's launch vehicles and space systems, including CFD simulations of hypersonic and subsonic aerodynamic flows, internal fluid systems (compressible and incompressible flow), and heat transfer analysis (conduction, convection, and radiation)
• Drive cross-functional collaboration by working closely with design and test engineers to iterate design concepts, process flight and ground test data to validate vehicle performance, and identify anomalies using first principles physics and data analysis
• Shape technical direction by conducting peer reviews, establishing analysis methodology, documenting best practices, and producing qualification test levels while coordinating knowledge sharing across global teams
• Mentor and develop the team by coaching junior analysts on technical best practices, creating training opportunities, establishing performance management plans, and serving as a role model for professional behavior and effective team discussions

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Degree (Mechanical, Aerospace, or similar) with 5+ years of industry experience from Aerospace, Automotive, or Marine sectors, bringing a strong physics and first principles approach to problem-solving
• Expert-level CFD and thermal modeling skills with hands-on experience using industry-standard packages (Fluent, CFX, STAR-CCM+, Thermal Desktop, THERMICA, or NX SST) and proven ability to validate and document complex analyses
• Strong technical toolkit including proficiency with NX CAD/Teamcenter (or comparable packages), sensor selection and data post-processing, and engineering programming expertise in Python (numpy, pandas, scipy, matplotlib)
• Proven execution and communication abilities with demonstrated success delivering results under changing deadlines in high-pressure environments, building strong cross-functional relationships, and communicating effectively through written documents and presentations

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Structural analysis background with familiarity in structural mechanics and analysis techniques to complement thermofluids expertise and enable broader problem-solving capabilities
• Industry standards knowledge including experience with MIL-STD-1540, GSFC-STD-7000, ECSS-E-HB-32, NASA-STD-5001, or similar aerospace qualification standards
• Manufacturing process understanding with familiarity in conventional machining and additive manufacturing to inform design-for-manufacturability decisions
• Mentoring experience with a track record of developing junior engineers and supporting their technical growth through training, on-the-job coaching, and career development

If the above sounds like you apply now!

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.