Senior Aerodynamics 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 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.

SENIOR AERODYNAMICS ENGINEER

Rocket Lab’s integrated analysis team contributes to the operation and development of Neutron by using modelling and simulation to solve challenging problems involving dynamics, fluid flow, and thermodynamics. Whether it is using CFD simulations, writing code to model flow physics, or applying data analysis on flight measurements to develop vehicle performance, analysis is critical to guide changes and develop the capability of Neutron. As a Senior Aerodynamics Engineer in Rocket Lab’s Thermofluids Analysis team you will contribute to the analysis, design validation, and improvements of Rocket Lab’s launch vehicles.

Day to day, you will be expected to lead concept development, perform trade studies, run simulations, and evaluate performance around Neutron’s aerodynamics, heating, plume interaction and compartment venting. You will be responsible for evaluating aerodynamic control, flow feature characterisation, and representing these by generating aero-table databases.

Join a driven team that’s tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Perform, validate, and document multi-physics analyses of launch vehicle aerodynamics and provide support for development projects, including:

• Identify and leading the implementation of changes to vehicle aerodynamic design and characterisation

• Performing trade-off studies

• System design and optimization

• Aerodynamic performance and flight dynamics across ascent, re-entry, descent glide and landing

• Aerodynamic control, operation envelopes and unsteady flow features

• Represent aerodynamic characteristics through aero tables and models

• Own aerodynamic loads and environments

• Own Compartment venting design and environments

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• A degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or similar field

• 5+ years industry experience, ideally from the Aerospace, Automotive or Marine industries  with an aerodynamic or fluid dynamics focus

• Excellent understanding of physical principles surrounding aerodynamics, heat transfer, dynamics, internal flow etc.)

• Demonstrated experience with one or more industry standard CFD packages: Fluent, CFX, STAR-CCM+, etc.

• Experience in Python and associated scientific packages: numpy, pandas, scipy, matplotlib

• The ability to work to deadlines within a high-pressure environment 

• Proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues and engineering professionals 

THESE QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Aerodynamic experience around Controllability, performance and flight dynamics

• Generating aerodynamic databases for control and guidance from combination of high and low fidelity sources

• Experience with mechanical systems in a relevant field (e.g. aerospace, automotive, marine) 

• Experience in python for mathematical modelling, analysis tool development and data handling (numpy, scipy, pandas, git, package deployment, continuous integration)

• Experience with experimental test methods, sensor selection and Thermal protection system design, specification and implementation.

• Experience with one or more industry standard thermal modelling packages: Thermal Desktop, THERMICA, NX SST

• Familiarity using Siemens CAD and PDM packages (or comparable industry standard packages) with emphasis on model interrogation and defeaturing for subsequent analyses

• Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., MIL-STD-1540, GSFC-STD-7000, ECSS-E-HB-32, NASA-STD-5001) 

If you meet some or all of the above requirements apply now, all applications are reviewed and considered.

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 [email protected] 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.