Senior Aerodynamics Engineer

4w1 month ago

Rocket Lab USA

Auckland, NZ · Full-time · NZ$120,000 – NZ$150,000

About this role

Rocket Lab's Neutron team is developing a new large reusable launch vehicle. The integrated analysis team uses modeling and simulation to solve challenging problems involving dynamics, fluid flow, and thermodynamics. As a Senior Aerodynamics Engineer you will contribute to analysis, design validation, and improvements of launch vehicles.

Day to day, you will lead concept development, perform trade studies, and run simulations to evaluate Neutron’s aerodynamic performance. You will assess aerodynamic control, flow feature characterization, and generate aero-table databases to represent vehicle characteristics. Additionally, you will own compartment venting design and environments.

Join a driven team tackling challenging projects and delivering exciting missions. Rocket Lab’s Neutron team is responsible for bringing the new large rocket to life, from design to launch. You will make an impact on the future of space.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to the full lifecycle of a launch vehicle. You will work on cutting-edge technology that supports scientific exploration, national security, and climate change missions. It is a chance to be part of history as Neutron launches for the first time.

Requirements

Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or a similar field
5+ years industry experience with aerodynamic or fluid dynamics focus (Aerospace, Automotive, or Marine industries)
Excellent understanding of physical principles surrounding aerodynamics, heat transfer, dynamics, and internal flow
Demonstrated experience with one or more industry standard CFD packages
Experience with launch vehicle aerodynamics and flight dynamics is highly valued
Proven ability to lead complex analyses and trade studies

Responsibilities

Perform, validate, and document multi-physics analyses of launch vehicle aerodynamics
Lead concept development, trade-off studies, and system design optimization for Neutron
Evaluate aerodynamic performance and flight dynamics across ascent, re-entry, descent glide, and landing
Assess aerodynamic control, operation envelopes, and unsteady flow features
Represent aerodynamic characteristics through aero-table databases and models
Own aerodynamic loads and environments for the vehicle
Own compartment venting design and environments

Benefits

Work on the development of Neutron, a new medium-lift reusable launch vehicle
Be part of a team delivering some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally
Contribute to projects supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation, national security, and new technology demonstrations
Join a driven team tackling challenging projects and making an impact on the future of space