Fluid Component Engineer II

About this role

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.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

NEUTRON ROCKET

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.

FLUID COMPONENT ENGINEER II

The Fluid Component Engineer II plays a key role in the design, build and test of fluid components across the Neutron launch vehicle, including valves, actuators and regulators. You will collaborate with an amazing team of engineers in the Fluid Systems department to turn vehicle-level requirements into a family of fluid components that enable Neutron to operate with aircraft-like reusability and reliability.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO

• Own fluid component designs from concept through launch

• Create and maintain analytical models to size new components from first principles and predict sealing, force balance, structural and timing behavior

• Create and maintain component product definition through CAD models, technical drawings, and test procedures

• Lead key component design, manufacturing and test reviews

• Manage vendor and internal schedules during design, build and test sprints.

• Build and test prototype components hands-on, collaborating with machinists, build technicians, manufacturing engineers, and test engineers 

• Lead test campaigns to qualify components for flight

• Conduct root cause failure investigations of hardware, and implement design fixes to achieve reliability 

• Update existing component designs to address critical failure modes while reducing cost and mass and increasing build rate  .

• Review data from engine and vehicle test operations to validate component performance and diagnose anomalies 

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering

• 2+ years of experience with mechanical design and assembly, CAD, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), 2D drawings, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)

• Strong first-principles engineering knowledge to establish and challenge requirements and develop optimized designs

• Knowledge of metal and polymer material properties, fabrication, fastening, assembly and testing methods

• Strong engineering fundamentals in structural analysis, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics and electromechanical systems

• Demonstrated ability to bring definition to complex design problems in a fast-paced environment with information available

• Hands-on experience with prototyping, mechanical assembly and pressure testing

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• 5+ years experience of aerospace valve specific design, build and test

• Experience with cryogenic oxygen & methane components and combustion devices

• Experience using fluids analysis tools such as REFPROP and GFSSP

• Experience using Siemens NX

• Experience using Python

• Experience with precision CNC machining (mill and lathe) and CAM

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package , giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base Pay Range (CA Only) $110,800 — $138,600 USD

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

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