Aerospace Aerodynamics Analyst - CFD & Flight Data

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand is seeking an Aerodynamics Analyst to join the Thermofluids Analysis team. This role focuses on predicting aerodynamics and aerothermal environments for Electron and Neutron across mission phases.

You will generate aerotables, perform CFD analyses, model plumes, and collaborate with design and test engineers to ensure positive margins through numerical analysis and testing.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or similar field.
• 1+ years industry experience, preferably in aerospace, automotive or marine.
• Strong physics and first principles problem-solving approach.
• Experience with CFD packages Fluent/CFX/STAR-CCM+.
• Experience with engineering programming in Python.

Responsibilities

• Generate aerotables and characterize performance, loads and aerodynamics of surfaces.
• Perform, validate, and document CFD analyses across hypersonic to subsonic regimes.
• Model plumes and interactions, define re-entry architecture and margins.
• Collaborate with design and test engineers to iterate concepts and tests.
• Work with GNC team to enable safe landing and recovery of Neutron.
• Interpret ground test and flight data and resolve sensor issues.

Skills

CFD packages Fluent

CFD packages CFX

CFD packages STAR-CCM+

Python programming

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or similar

Tools

NX CAD

Teamcenter

Job description

Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand is seeking an Aerodynamics Analyst to join the Thermofluids Analysis team. This role focuses on predicting aerodynamics and aerothermal environments for Electron and Neutron across mission phases.

You will generate aerotables, perform CFD analyses, model plumes, and collaborate with design and test engineers to ensure positive margins through numerical analysis and testing.