Stage Fluids Engineer II

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 Lab’s Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron’s structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron’s launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time.

A Stage Fluids Engineer II owns the design, build, and test of their fluid systems across the Neutron launch vehicle. Our team owns all plumbing and fluid systems between the tanks and the engines. Your work within the Fluid Systems department will turn vehicle-level requirements into a fluid network that enables Neutron to operate with aircraft‑like reusability and reliability.

• Design plumbing systems, components, and their secondary structures.
• Analyze these systems and components in the harsh and dynamic environments of launch.
• Model these systems to characterize and predict system behavior at all conditions.
• Test and qualify these systems and components.
• Manage requirements, realization, and implementation of systems in the larger launch vehicle context.
• Integrate your hardware into the vehicle.
• Review data from component, system, and vehicle level testing to optimize and improve future designs.
• Collaborate with components, propulsion, structures, mechanical, operations, and flight software teams to develop and define vehicle functions.
• 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 in a hardware rich environment.
• Strong understanding on how to start, execute, and complete an engineering project.
• Strong engineering fundamentals in fluid dynamics and thermodynamics
• Working knowledge of how to select and design around fluid components such as valves, pressure vessels, flex elements & fittings.
• Working knowledge of DfM/DfAM, machining processes, and welding processes.
• Working knowledge of integration processes & quality control relevant to fluid systems & components.

• 4+ years of experience in a fast‑paced aerospace environment where you have completed difficult projects while collaborating effectively with other key groups.
• Strong understanding of how to design for classic aerospace constraints: minimizing mass while maintaining manufacturability, function, and low costs.
• Ability to read, write, and manage plumbing & instrumentation diagrams.
• Strong understanding of mechanical drafting and GD&T.
• 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, and/or cryogenic systems.
• Experience using fluids analysis tools such as REFPROP, AMESIM, and/or GFSSP. Alternatively, have built your own fluid network solver in Python, Excel, or other tools.
• Ex…