Fluid Systems Engineer II

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.

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven execution history with the Electron program.

A Fluid Systems Engineer II, Neutron leads the design, build, and test of their 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.

• 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

• 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.)

• 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

• 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.

$10,000 — $125,000 USD

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and…