Rocket Lab

Principal Stage Fluids Engineer

Rocket Lab$162K — $243K *
Aerospace & Defense
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

  • Design plumbing systems and provide peer feedback on designs and methodologies.
  • Analyze systems for harsh launch environments; review structural analysis of fluid components.
  • Model systems to predict behavior under various conditions and improve efficacy.
  • Test and qualify systems, components, and modules for reliability.
  • Manage implementation of systems within the launch vehicle's context.
  • Integrate hardware into the vehicle and optimize future designs based on testing data.
  • Collaborate with multiple teams to develop vehicle functions and enhance analysis capabilities.

Benefits

  • Company stock as part of total compensation.
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program with a 15% discount.
  • Top-tier medical, dental, and vision plans.
  • Significant HSA company contribution for HDHP option.
  • Paid vacation, sick time, and 11 paid holidays.
  • Flexible spending and dependent care accounts.
  • Paid parental leave, disability and life insurance.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
  • Subsidized EV charging and discounted gym memberships.
Full Job Description
PRINCIPAL STAGE FLUIDS ENGINEER

As a Principal Stage Fluids Engineer, Neutron owns the design, build, test, and review of multiple fluid systems across the Neutron launch vehicle. Our 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.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO
  • 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.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A PRINCIPAL STAGE FLUIDS ENGINEER:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or relevant engineering discipline.
  • 12+ 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, and welding processes with a proven understanding of mechanical drafting and GD&T.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
  • 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 costs.
  • 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 Siemens NX & Teamcenter.
  • Demonstrated ability to rally a team to make & execute good decisions in a fast-paced environment with limited information.
  • Experience with Aerospace Processes, Standards, and Workflows, from JIRA to AS9100.

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)

$162,000-$243,000 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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