Rocket Lab

Stage Fluids Engineer I

Rocket Lab$82K — $110K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
  • Knowledge of fluid component selection and design, including valves and fittings.
  • Familiarity with Design for Manufacturability (DfM) and Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM).
  • Understanding of integration processes and quality control for fluid systems.

Responsibilities

  • Design plumbing systems and components for the Neutron launch vehicle.
  • Analyze systems in dynamic launch conditions to ensure reliability.
  • Model fluid systems to predict their behaviors accurately.
  • Test and qualify components and systems to meet vehicle-level requirements.
  • Manage fluid system implementation within the larger context of the launch vehicle.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define vehicle functions and optimize designs.
  • Develop tools to improve workflow and analysis capabilities for fluid systems.

Benefits

  • Top-tier medical insurance options and a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan.
  • Dental and vision coverage.
  • Three weeks paid vacation plus five sick days annually.
  • Eleven paid holidays a year.
  • Paid parental leave and disability insurance coverage.
  • Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
  • Onsite amenities including a gym and subsidized food and drinks.
Full Job Description
STAGE FLUIDS ENGINEER I

A Stage Fluids Engineer I owns the design, build, and test of their fluid systems across the Neutron launch vehicle. Our team owns all plumbing and fluid 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.
  • Analyze these systems and components in the harsh and dynamic environments of launch.
  • Model these systems to characterize and predict system behavior at all conditions.
  • Test and qualify these systems and components.
  • 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.

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or relevant engineering discipline.
  • Working knowledge of how to select and design around fluid components such as valves, pressure vessels, flex elements & fittings.
  • Working knowledge of DfM/DfAM, machining processes, and welding processes.
  • Working knowledge of integration processes & quality control relevant to fluid systems & components.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
  • 1+ 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 read, write, and manage plumbing & instrumentation diagrams.
  • Strong understanding of mechanical drafting and GD&T.
  • 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 fluids analysis tools such as REFPROP, AMESIM, and/or GFSSP. Alternatively, have built your own fluid network solver in Python, Excel, or other tools.
  • Experience using mechanical analysis tools such as ANSYS or NASTRAN.
  • Experience using Siemens NX & Teamcenter.
  • Proven ability to practically apply engineering fundamentals to solve real, complex problems.
  • Demonstrated ability to rally a team to make & execute good decisions in a fast-paced environment with limited information.

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

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 salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$82,400-$110,000 USD

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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