ABOUT ROCKET LAB
Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.
Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!
ABOUT THE ROLE:
Join Rocket Lab's Space Systems Propulsion team and take full ownership of developing and delivering flight-ready propulsion systems. Our designs, including Curie and HyperCurie engines, are developed in-house, and we’re currently focused on the propulsion system for the Victus Haze mission. As a Senior Fluids Test Engineer, you will oversee systems and components from mission requirements through design, qualification, and integration, work hands-on with development, qualification, and flight hardware, and collaborate with engineers and technicians while interfacing with departments like GNC, Manufacturing, and Flight Software. This is an opportunity to solve challenges, innovate on new and existing designs, and contribute to meaningful projects alongside exceptional people.
WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:
- Lead Product Development: Own the development of new or existing products and systems, guiding your team through the end-to-end development process as the technical lead.
- Innovative Systems Design: Perform conceptual and detailed performance calculations, systems modeling, and analysis to develop cutting-edge system designs.
- Critical Systems Engineering: Engage in comprehensive requirements gathering, definition, and management, and lead systems engineering activities within your team.
- Rigorous Testing and Analysis: Plan and execute tests with precision, including setup, instrumentation, data analysis, and detailed reporting to ensure system integrity.
- Project Leadership and Mentorship: Oversee project management tasks such as scheduling, prioritizing tasks, and communicating status, while mentoring team members on both technical skills and professional development.
YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:
- A genuine passion for engineering, a curious mindset, and a willingness to learn, coupled with a practical testing and verification approach focused on achieving high-quality results efficiently.
- 5+ years of experience in propulsion system or component development, or a related high-performance field, with an engineering degree in mechanical, aerospace, mechatronics, or equivalent.
- Hands-on experience with pressurized gas or fluid system testing, instrumentation, and test control, as well as expertise in LabView and National Instruments data acquisition systems, or an eagerness to learn NI systems.
- Comfortable working with high levels of ambiguity, making decisions based on engineering first principles, available literature and standards, technical risk assessments, test data, and physics-based models.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well within a team environment.
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- Experience working safely with high pressure gases and hazardous substances.
- Capabilities using Python for data manipulation and post-processing.
- Experience with end-to-end development process including gathering requirements, detailed design, qualification, production, and acceptance testing.
- Masters or PhD.
Rocket Lab Employee Benefits
- The opportunity to work on innovative and ground breaking technology
- An employee stock purchase program
- Access to world leading experts to develop your career
- Unlimited barista coffee, fruit, and snacks
- Rocket Lab merchandise – T-shirts, mission patches etc.
- Discounted health insurance with Southern Cross
- Additional parental leave entitlements
- A vibrant team culture with social activities throughout the year
If the above sounds like you apply now!
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:
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.
Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [email protected] dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.
FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:
For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.
Top Skills
What We Do
Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company with an established track record of mission success. We deliver reliable launch services, spacecraft components, satellites and other spacecraft and on-orbit management solutions that make it faster, easier and more affordable to access space.
Headquartered in Long Beach, California, Rocket Lab designs and manufactures the Electron small orbital launch vehicle and the Photon satellite platform and is developing the Neutron 8-ton payload class launch vehicle. Since its first orbital launch in January 2018, Rocket Lab’s Electron launch vehicle has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered 100+ satellites to orbit for private and public sector organizations, enabling operations in national security, scientific research, space debris mitigation, Earth observation, climate monitoring, and communications. Rocket Lab’s Photon spacecraft platform has been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, as well as the first private commercial mission to Venus.
Rocket Lab has three launch pads at two launch sites, including two launch pads at a private orbital launch site located in New Zealand and a second launch site in Virginia, USA which is expected to become operational in late 2022.
To learn more, visit www.rocketlabusa.com.
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