Team Lead - Thermofluids AnalysisActive

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. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of…

What you'll do

• Lead complex thermofluids analysis for Rocket Lab's launch vehicles and space: systems, including CFD simulations of hypersonic and subsonic aerodynamic flows, internal fluid systems (compressible and incompressible flow), and heat transfer analysis (conduction, convection, and radiation)

• Drive cross-functional collaboration by working closely with design and test: engineers to iterate design concepts, process flight and ground test data to validate vehicle performance, and identify anomalies using first principles physics and data analysis

• Shape technical direction by conducting peer reviews, establishing analysis: methodology, documenting best practices, and producing qualification test levels while coordinating knowledge sharing across global teams

• Mentor and develop the team by coaching junior analysts on technical best: practices, creating training opportunities, establishing performance management plans, and serving as a role model for professional behavior and effective team discussions

• Advanced engineering degree (Mechanical, Aerospace, or similar) with 5+ years: of industry experience from Aerospace, Automotive, or Marine sectors, bringing a strong physics and first principles approach to problem-solving

• Expert-level CFD and thermal modeling skills with hands-on experience using: industry-standard packages (Fluent, CFX, STAR-CCM+, Thermal Desktop, THERMICA, or NX SST) and proven ability to validate and document complex analyses

What they're looking for

• Strong technical toolkit including proficiency with NX CAD/Teamcenter (or: comparable packages), sensor selection and data post-processing, and engineering programming expertise in Python (numpy, pandas, scipy, matplotlib)
• Proven execution and communication abilities with demonstrated success: delivering results under changing deadlines in high-pressure environments, building strong cross-functional relationships, and communicating effectively through written documents and presentations
• Structural analysis background with familiarity in structural mechanics and: analysis techniques to complement thermofluids expertise and enable broader problem-solving capabilities
• Industry standards knowledge including experience with MIL-STD-1540,: GSFC-STD-7000, ECSS-E-HB-32, NASA-STD-5001, or similar aerospace qualification standards