Senior Thermofluids Analyst

Responsibilities

• Perform, validate, and document CFD analyses of launch vehicle fluid systems including compressible/incompressible flow, two-phase, aerodynamics, and choked flow
• Conduct heat transfer simulations including integrated thermal analyses (ITAs), component thermal analyses, and aeroheating thermal response
• Perform thermofluid analyses including model development, numerical analysis, and performance optimization studies
• Collaborate with design and test engineers to iterate design concepts and determine test requirements
• Process and interpret ground test and flight data to verify MPE bounds and determine root causes
• Conduct peer reviews and document methodologies for various test levels
• Support subsystem testing through test-analysis correlation and pre/post-test reports
• Develop propellant dynamics models and contribute to automation of data review processes

Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a similar field
• 5+ years of industry experience in Aerospace, Automotive, or Marine industries
• Strong understanding of heat transfer, internal flow, and aerodynamics
• Fluid engineering experience regarding pressure loss, valves, and sensors
• Proficiency with CFD packages such as Fluent, CFX, or STAR-CCM+
• Experience in Python with scientific packages (numpy, pandas, scipy, matplotlib)
• Demonstrated thermal modelling of components, networks, and lump masses
• Experience with experimental test methods and sensor selection (thermocouples, pressure transducers, etc.)
• Proven communication skills and ability to work in high-pressure environments

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with propellant dynamics (slosh, flow instabilities, Pogo)
• Experience with pumps, pressurisation systems, and cryogenics
• Knowledge of thermal protection system design and space thermal environments
• Experience with thermal modelling packages like Thermal Desktop, THERMICA, or NX SST
• Familiarity with Solidworks CAD and PDM packages
• Experience in Python package development (git, CI, deployment)
• Familiarity with industry standards such as MIL-STD-1540 or NASA-STD-5001

About the Company

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.