Senior Stage Fluids Engineer Verified today

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, and expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

The Neutron Programme

Rocket Lab's Neutron team is bringing a new large rocket and its launch and test sites to life across the United States. You'll help launch a new large rocket for the very first time by designing and testing structures and components, firing up new Archimedes engines, and setting up launch pads and test sites.

The Role

As a Senior Stage Fluids Engineer, you own the design, build, test, and review of multiple fluid systems across the Neutron launch vehicle. You'll manage all plumbing and systems between the tanks and the engines. Your work will turn 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 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 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 programme and beyond.
• Mentor and grow your peers to strengthen the overall team.

Senior I Level Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or relevant engineering discipline.
• 5 or more 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 a proven understanding of mechanical drafting and GD&T.

Senior II Level Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or relevant engineering discipline.
• 8 or more 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 a proven understanding of mechanical drafting and GD&T.

Nice to Have

• 8 or more 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 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: $115,200 to $220,000 USD

Total Compensation (base and equity): $135,475 to $277,275 USD

Equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance. You will receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in company success.

Benefits

Industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount on company stock. Top-tier medical plans including HMO, PPO, and zero-cost HDHP 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, and 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centres where available, discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on merchandise, and 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.

Export Control 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 with a current Green Card, lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce.