Principal Stage Fluids Engineer Verified today

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine.

The Neutron Programme

Neutron is Rocket Lab's new large rocket. The Neutron team is responsible for designing and testing structures and components, firing up Archimedes engines, and setting up launch pads and test sites across the United States.

Your Role

As Principal Stage Fluids Engineer, you own the design, build, test, and review of multiple fluid systems across the Neutron launch vehicle. Your work turns vehicle-level requirements into a fluid network that enables Neutron to operate with aircraft-like reusability and reliability.

What You'll Do

• Design plumbing systems, components, and their secondary structures. Provide feedback to peers on designs, drawings, and methodology.
• Analyze systems and components in the harsh and dynamic environments of launch. Review and provide feedback for critical structural analysis of fluid components and systems.
• Model these systems to characterize and predict system behavior at all conditions. Understand and interpret models of others and work to improve modelling efficacy.
• Test and qualify systems, components, and modules.
• 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.
• Set the standard for design, production, and testing processes. Enforce these standards across the program and beyond.
• Mentor and grow your peers to strengthen the overall team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or relevant engineering discipline.
• 12+ years of experience in a hardware rich environment.
• Experience with fluid components design and usage for valves, pressure vessels, flex elements and fittings.
• Experience with DfM/DfAM, machining processes, and welding processes with proven understanding of mechanical drafting and GD&T.

Desirable Qualifications

• 8+ 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 earn trust, maintain positive professional relationships, and 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 Siemens NX and Teamcenter.
• Demonstrated ability to rally a team to make and execute good decisions in a fast-paced environment with limited information.
• Experience with Aerospace Processes, Standards, and Workflows, from JIRA to AS9100.

Compensation

• Base Salary: $162,000 to $270,000 USD
• Total Compensation (base and equity): $211,725 to $349,550 USD
• Equity: Company stock as part of total compensation package. Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

Benefits

• Industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount on company stock.
• Top-tier medical plans: HMO, PPO, and zero cost HDHP option with significant HSA company contribution.
• Dental and vision coverage.
• Paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays.
• Flexible spending and dependent care accounts.
• Paid parental leave.
• Disability and life insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Subsidized EV charging.
• Onsite fitness centers (where available).
• Discounted gym memberships.
• Complimentary snacks and beverages.
• 50% employee discount on merchandise store.
• Various other employee discounts.

Working Conditions

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.

Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), 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.