Aerodynamics Analyst

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets spacecraft and critical subsystems that keep the world connected protected expand humanitys reach to the Moon Mars and beyond. We move fast build real hardware for meaningful missions and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

While other companies talk about it we do it!

NEUTRON

Rocket Labs Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutrons structures and components to firing up its new Archimedes engines to setting up Neutrons 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.

AERODYNAMICS ANALYST

Were looking for anAerodynamics AnalysttojoinourThermofluidsAnalysis teamresponsibleforpredicting the aerodynamics and aerothermal environmentsElectron & Neutron experiencethroughoutallmissionphases.

This role is based in Auckland New Zealand.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• Generate aerotables and characterise vehicle performancecovering stability control authority loads pressure distributions and aerodynamic design of vehicle control surfaces
• Perform validate and document CFD analyses of external flow across hypersonic transonic and subsonic regimes and characterise aerodynamic and heating environments transients and separation events
• Model plumes and plume interactions (base heating PIFS impingement) and define re-entry architecture including ballistic coefficients ConOps and compartment venting
• Work closely with design and test engineers to iterate design concepts determine test requirements and demonstrate positive margins through numerical analysis and physical test
• Works closely with the GNC team to enable them to safely land and recover Neutrons 1stStage
• Process and interpret ground test and flight dataconfirming MPE bounds detecting out-of-family results and resolving sensor configuration issues

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• A degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or similar field
• 1 years industry experience ideally fromtheAerospace Automotive or Marine industries
• A keen physics and first principles-based approach to problem solving
• Expertisewith one or more industry standard CFD packages: Fluent CFX STAR-CCM
• Experiencein engineering programming especially using Python (including Python packagesnumpy pandasscipy matplotlib etc.)
• Demonstrated ability executing to changing deadlines in a high-pressure and fast-paced work environment

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Experience using NX CAD and Teamcenter packages (or comparable industry standard packages) with emphasis on model interrogation and defeaturing forsubsequentanalysis
• Experience with sensorselectionand data post-processing/ interpretation (accelerometers strain gauges thermocouples etc.)
• Experience with one or more industry standard thermal modelling packages: Thermal Desktop THERMICA NX SST
• Experience in mentoring junior engineers

If the above sounds like you apply now!

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats 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 others 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 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.