Aerodynamics Analyst

ABOUT ROCKET LAB:

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

ABOUT THE ROLE:

We're looking for a Aerodynamics Analyst to join our Thermofluids Analysis team, responsible for predicting the aerodynamics and aerothermal environments Electron & Neutron experience throughout all mission phases.

Your day to day includes generating aerotables and characterise vehicle performance—covering 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 Neutron’s 1st Stage. Process and interpret ground test and flight data—confirming MPE bounds, detecting out-of-family results, and resolving sensor configuration issues.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics Engineering or related field
• 5+ years of experience ideally in Aerospace, Automotive, Marine or equivalent industries
• A keen physics and first principles-based approach to problem solving
• Expertise with one or more industry standard CFD packages: Fluent, CFX, STAR-CCM+
• Experience in engineering programming, especially using Python (including Python packages numpy, pandas, scipy, 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 for subsequent analysis
• Experience with sensor selection and 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

Wage dependent upon experience: NZD$85,000 - NZD $115,000

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.