Senior Thermofluids Analyst

Company Overview

Rocket Lab is a comprehensive space enterprise providing launch services, spacecraft design and fabrication, payload integration, satellite components, and more. Its mission is to broaden access to space by supporting important space missions including scientific research, Earth monitoring, climate change initiatives, security, and innovative technologies. Its Electron rocket is the second most launched U.S. rocket annually, having deployed over 230 satellites, while the company is advancing the Neutron rocket, a medium-lift reusable vehicle for larger satellite constellations.

The Space Systems division develops satellites and components selected for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and contributes to projects such as the James Webb Space Telescope. Rocket Lab’s Neutron team is focused on designing, testing, and launching the new large Neutron rocket and establishing its operational infrastructure in the U.S.

Role Summary

The Senior Thermofluids Analyst will be integrated into Rocket Lab’s analysis team responsible for supporting Neutron and Electron vehicles by applying modeling and simulation to fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and system performance challenges. This role covers CFD simulations, custom code development, and analyzing flight data to guide vehicle improvements and design validation.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct and validate computational fluid dynamics analyses for vehicle fluid systems, including compressible and incompressible flows, two-phase flows, aerodynamics, and choked flows.
• Perform heat transfer modeling such as integrated thermal analyses, component thermal assessment, aeroheating response, and thermal protection system specifications.
• Develop thermofluid models and analyses for launch vehicle systems focusing on sizing, material choices, and optimization.
• Collaborate closely with design and test engineering teams to iterate concepts, establish test requirements, and ensure positive performance margins.
• Analyze ground and flight test data to verify design margins, diagnose anomalies, investigate sensor issues, and determine root causes through physical analysis.
• Lead peer reviews and document analysis methodologies, producing required test levels consistent with industry margin standards.
• Support subsystem testing by correlating test-analysis results, generating test reports, and standardizing analysis approaches following best practices.
• Develop models of propellant dynamics including temperature effects, gas rejection, and control strategies; automate review processes for test and flight data.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years of professional experience, ideally within aerospace, automotive, or marine sectors.
• In-depth knowledge of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, internal flow, and aerodynamics principles.
• Practical experience with fluid engineering elements such as pressure losses, valve and sensor integration.
• Proficiency in using industry-standard CFD software (e.g., Fluent, CFX, STAR-CCM+).
• Strong programming skills in Python and relevant scientific libraries including numpy, pandas, scipy, and matplotlib.
• Demonstrated expertise in thermal modeling of components, integrated networks, and lumped mass models.
• Experience with experimental testing techniques, sensor selection, and data processing of various sensor types such as thermocouples, accelerometers, and strain gauges.
• Ability to manage deadlines effectively in a fast-paced, demanding environment.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to foster collaborative relationships across engineering disciplines.

Preferred Additional Skills

• Experience with dynamic thermofluid systems including propellant slosh, flow instabilities, and Pogo phenomena.
• Knowledge of propellant level sensing, control strategies, pumps, pressurization, and cryogenics.
• Familiarity with two-phase cryogenic thermodynamics, compressible gas modeling, and thermal environments in space.
• Thermal protection system design and specifications expertise.
• Understanding of HVAC design and analysis.
• Experience using thermal modeling tools such as Thermal Desktop, THERMICA, or NX SST.
• Competency with CAD software like Solidworks and product data management for model preparation.
• Python package development and deployment experience including version control and continuous integration.
• Knowledge of relevant industry standards such as MIL-STD-1540, GSFC-STD-7000, ECSS standards, and NASA-STD-5001.

Work Environment and Culture

Rocket Lab values innovation, persistence, teamwork, and delivering results under pressure. The company fosters a culture where humility and collaboration are paramount. Employees work diligently to meet deadlines and bring breakthrough technologies from concept to reality.

Additional Information

For candidates seeking US roles: Compliance with ITAR regulations requires US citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, refugee or asylum status, or eligibility to obtain necessary government permissions.

For New Zealand roles: Background and nationality checks are mandatory to comply with ITAR. Citizenship from approved countries or compliant dual nationality is required.

Rocket Lab offers equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination in any employment condition.