Rocket Lab

Fluid Component Engineer II

Rocket Lab$110K — $138K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering
  • 2+ years of experience in mechanical design and assembly
  • Strong first-principles engineering knowledge
  • Knowledge of metal and polymer material properties
  • Strong fundamentals in structural analysis and fluid dynamics
  • Ability to tackle complex design problems in fast-paced environments
  • Hands-on experience with prototyping and pressure testing

Responsibilities

  • Own fluid component designs from concept to launch
  • Create and maintain analytical models for new components
  • Develop component product definitions including CAD models and test procedures
  • Lead design and test reviews for key components
  • Manage schedules during design, build, and test sprints
  • Build and test prototypes in collaboration with various engineers
  • Conduct root cause investigations and implement design fixes

Benefits

  • Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount
  • Top-tier medical plans including a no-cost HDHP option
  • Dental and vision coverage
  • Paid vacation, sick time, and 11 holidays
  • Flexible spending and dependent care accounts
  • Paid parental leave and disability life insurance
  • 401(k) matching retirement plan
  • Subsidized EV charging and onsite fitness centers
  • Discounts on gym memberships and company merchandise
Full Job Description
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 our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

About Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab is a private American aerospace manufacturer and small satellite launch service provider. The company was founded in 2006 by New Zealander Peter Beck. Rocket Lab's Electron rocket is designed to launch small payloads of up to 300 kg into low Earth orbit. The company has launched several successful missions and has contracts with NASA and other organizations. Rocket Lab has raised over $200 million in funding and has offices in the United States and New Zealand.
Learn more about Rocket Lab
Size
500 employees
Market Cap
$1.6 billion
Industry
Founded
2006
NASDAQ

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