Fluid Systems Engineer II
PSC by Rocket Lab, Long Beach, CA, United States
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 to 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.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds an extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
FLUID SYSTEMS ENGINEER II
A Fluid Systems Engineer II for Neutron leads the design, build, and test of fluid systems across the Neutron launch vehicle. You will collaborate with and provide guidance to a team of engineers in the Fluid Systems department to turn vehicle‑level requirements into a fluid network that enables Neutron to operate with aircraft‑like reusability and reliability.
What You’ll Get To Do
Perform trade studies and sizing – using hand‑calcs, analytical models or test data – to define key elements of system architecture
Provide guidance & mentorship to teammates on and beyond the fluids team to inform fluid system design, test & operations best practices
Lead key fluid system design, manufacturing and test reviews
Coordinate with component design, GSE, propulsion, GNC and other interrelated teams to solve multidisciplinary issues
Create and maintain analytical models that characterize and predict system behavior under all relevant conditions
Champion efforts to create and maintain piping and instrumentation diagrams, system CAD, production drawings, and system test and operations procedures
Perform planning, analysis, and troubleshooting of system performance during real‑time operations and post‑test data reviews
Project management including development schedules, vendor management, budgeting, etc.
Create tools to enhance the team’s analysis capabilities, streamline workflow and optimize launch operations
You’ll Bring These Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or relevant engineering discipline
2+ years of experience designing, operating, troubleshooting fluids systems
Strong engineering fundamentals in fluid dynamics and thermodynamics
Solid understanding of fluid components such as valves, pressure vessels, flex elements & fittings
Working knowledge of manufacturing, fabrication, integration processes & quality control relevant to fluid components (valves, flex hoses, tubing, bellows, etc.)
These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have
8+ years experience in a fast‑paced aerospace environment where you have completed difficult projects while collaborating effectively with other key groups
Ability to earn trust, maintain positive & professional relationships, & 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 systems
Experience using fluids analysis tools such as REFPROP and GFSSP
Experience using Siemens NX
Experience using Python
Proven ability to practically apply engineering fundamentals to solve real, complex problems
Demonstrated ability to rally a team to make & execute good decisions in a fast‑paced environment with information available
Additional Requirements
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
Must be physically able to commute to buildings
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.
Salary
$10,000—$125,000 USD (CA Only)
Benefits
Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.
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 U.S. offices only, Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations. 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.
For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices only, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers, including nationality checks. 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 hold ineligible dual citizenship.
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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 to 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.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds an extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
FLUID SYSTEMS ENGINEER II
A Fluid Systems Engineer II for Neutron leads the design, build, and test of fluid systems across the Neutron launch vehicle. You will collaborate with and provide guidance to a team of engineers in the Fluid Systems department to turn vehicle‑level requirements into a fluid network that enables Neutron to operate with aircraft‑like reusability and reliability.
What You’ll Get To Do
Perform trade studies and sizing – using hand‑calcs, analytical models or test data – to define key elements of system architecture
Provide guidance & mentorship to teammates on and beyond the fluids team to inform fluid system design, test & operations best practices
Lead key fluid system design, manufacturing and test reviews
Coordinate with component design, GSE, propulsion, GNC and other interrelated teams to solve multidisciplinary issues
Create and maintain analytical models that characterize and predict system behavior under all relevant conditions
Champion efforts to create and maintain piping and instrumentation diagrams, system CAD, production drawings, and system test and operations procedures
Perform planning, analysis, and troubleshooting of system performance during real‑time operations and post‑test data reviews
Project management including development schedules, vendor management, budgeting, etc.
Create tools to enhance the team’s analysis capabilities, streamline workflow and optimize launch operations
You’ll Bring These Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or relevant engineering discipline
2+ years of experience designing, operating, troubleshooting fluids systems
Strong engineering fundamentals in fluid dynamics and thermodynamics
Solid understanding of fluid components such as valves, pressure vessels, flex elements & fittings
Working knowledge of manufacturing, fabrication, integration processes & quality control relevant to fluid components (valves, flex hoses, tubing, bellows, etc.)
These Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have
8+ years experience in a fast‑paced aerospace environment where you have completed difficult projects while collaborating effectively with other key groups
Ability to earn trust, maintain positive & professional relationships, & 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 systems
Experience using fluids analysis tools such as REFPROP and GFSSP
Experience using Siemens NX
Experience using Python
Proven ability to practically apply engineering fundamentals to solve real, complex problems
Demonstrated ability to rally a team to make & execute good decisions in a fast‑paced environment with information available
Additional Requirements
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
Must be physically able to commute to buildings
Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.
Salary
$10,000—$125,000 USD (CA Only)
Benefits
Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company‑sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.
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 U.S. offices only, Rocket Lab employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident, or otherwise eligible to obtain required authorizations. 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.
For candidates seeking to work in New Zealand offices only, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers, including nationality checks. 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 hold ineligible dual citizenship.
#J-18808-Ljbffr