Senior Stage Fluids Engineer

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, aiming to open access to space. Rockets and satellites we build and launch support scientific exploration, Earth observation, climate change missions, national security, and new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered over 230 satellites to orbit while we develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment.

Our Space Systems business designs and builds an extensive line of satellites, payloads, and components, including spacecraft selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and parts used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

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 Senior Stage Fluids Engineer I on the Neutron team owns the design, build, test, and review of multiple fluid systems across the Neutron launch vehicle. The team owns all plumbing and 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. Provide feedback to your peers on their designs, drawings, and methodology.
• Analyze these systems and components in the harsh and dynamic environments of launch. Review and provide feedback for critical structural analysis of fluid components and systems.
• Model these systems to characterize and predict system behavior at all conditions. Understand and interpret models of others and work to improve efficacy of modelling.
• Test and qualify these systems, components, and modules.
• 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.
• Set the standard for design, production, and testing processes. Enforce these standards across the program and beyond.
• Mentor and grow your peers to strengthen the overall team.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or relevant engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in a hardware‑rich environment.
• Experience with fluid components design and usage for valves, pressure vessels, flex elements & fittings.
• Experience with DfM/DfAM, machining processes, welding processes, and a proven understanding of mechanical drafting and GD&T.

• 8+ 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 cost.
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive professional relationships, and 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 Siemens NX & Teamcenter.
• Demonstrated ability to rally a team to make & execute good decisions in a fast‑paced environment with limited information.
• Experience with…