NEUTRON ROCKET

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab’s proven execution history with the Electron program. 

FLUID COMPONENT ENGINEER II

The Fluid Component Engineer IIplays 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 
• Hands-on building and testing of prototype components collaborating with machinists, build technicians, manufacturing and test engineers 
• Lead 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 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing. 
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.