NEUTRON
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.
SENIOR FLUID SYSTEMS ENGINEER I
A Senior Fluid Systems Engineer I, Neutron leads the design, build, and test of their fluid systems across the Neutron launch vehicle. You will collaborate with and provide guidance to a team of engineers in the Fluid Systems department to 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
- Perform trade studies and sizing - using hand-calcs, analytical models or test data - to define key elements of system architecture
- Provide guidance & mentorship to teammates on and beyond the fluids team to inform fluid system design, test & operations best practices
- Lead key fluid system design, manufacturing and test reviews
- Coordinate with component design, GSE, propulsion, GNC and other interrelated teams to solve multidisciplinary issues
- Create and maintain analytical models that characterize and predict system behavior under all relevant conditions
- Champion efforts to create and maintain piping and instrumentation diagrams, system CAD, production drawings, and system test and operations procedures
- Perform planning, analysis, and troubleshooting of system performance during real-time operations and post-test data reviews
- Project management including development schedules, vendor management, budgeting, etc.
- 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
- 5+ years of experience designing, operating, troubleshooting fluids systems
- Strong engineering fundamentals in fluid dynamics and thermodynamics
- Solid understanding of fluid components such as valves, pressure vessels, flex elements & fittings
- Working knowledge of manufacturing, fabrication, integration processes & quality control relevant to fluid components (valves, flex hoses, tubing, bellows, etc.)
THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:
- 8+ years experience in a fast-paced aerospace environment where you have completed difficult projects while collaborating effectively with other key groups
- 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 systems
- Experience using fluids analysis tools such as REFPROP and GFSSP
- Experience using Siemens NX
- Experience using Python
- 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 information available
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.