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Rocket Lab is seeking a Stage Fluids Engineer I to join the Neutron team, responsible for designing, building, and testing fluid systems for the new large Neutron launch vehicle. This role owns all plumbing and fluid systems between the tanks and engines, turning vehicle-level requirements into a reliable fluid network that enables aircraft-like reusability.
Key responsibilities include:
- Design plumbing systems, components, and secondary structures
- Analyze systems and components in harsh launch environments
- Model systems to characterize and predict behavior across all operating conditions
- Test and qualify systems and components
- Manage requirements, realization, and implementation within the launch vehicle context
- Integrate hardware into the vehicle and review test data for optimization
- Collaborate with propulsion, structures, mechanical, operations, and flight software teams
- Create tools to enhance analysis capabilities and streamline workflow
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or relevant engineering discipline
- Working knowledge of fluid component selection and design (valves, pressure vessels, flex elements, fittings)
- Understanding of DfM/DfAM, machining, and welding processes
- Knowledge of integration processes and quality control for fluid systems
Desirable experience includes:
- 1+ years in fast-paced aerospace environments
- Design for aerospace constraints (mass minimization, manufacturability, function, cost)
- P&ID reading, writing, and management
- Mechanical drafting and GD&T
- Cryogenic, oxygen, and methane systems experience
- Fluids analysis tools (REFPROP, AMESIM, GFSSP) or custom solvers
- Mechanical analysis tools (ANSYS, NASTRAN)
- Siemens NX and Teamcenter
- Ability to apply engineering fundamentals to complex problems in fast-paced environments
