Aerospace Aerodynamics Analyst - CFD & Hypersonics

Rocket Lab Corporation; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab seeks an Aerodynamics Analyst to advance Neutron vehicle performance through CFD-driven analyses and physics-based design. Based in Auckland, you will generate aerotables, validate simulations, and model plume interactions across flight regimes, partnering with design, test, and GNC teams to ensure safe and effective vehicle operations.

You will apply first-principles reasoning, Python scripting, and industry CFD tools to iterate concepts, analyze data, and support mission-critical

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or similar field.
• 1+ years industry experience in Aerospace, Automotive, or Marine.
• Keen physics with first principles-based approach to problem solving.
• Experience with CFD packages: Fluent, CFX, STAR-CCM+.
• Experience with Python (numpy, pandas, scipy, matplotlib) and associated tooling.

Responsibilities

• Generate aerotables and characterize vehicle performance: stability, control, loads, pressure, and control-surface aerodynamics.
• Perform, validate, and document CFD analyses of external flow across hypersonic, transonic, and subsonic regimes; characterize heating environments and transients.
• Model plumes and plume interactions; define re-entry architecture, ballistic coefficients, ConOps, and venting.
• Collaborate with design/test engineers to iterate concepts and confirm margins through numerical analysis and testing.
• Coordinate with GNC to enable safe landing and recovery of Neutron’s 1st Stage.
• Process and interpret ground test and flight data; confirm MPE bounds and resolve sensor configuration issues.

Skills

CFD tools (Fluent, CFX, STAR-CCM+)

Python programming

First-principles problem solving

High-pressure environment work

Aerospace industry experience

Education

Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering degree

Tools

NX CAD

Teamcenter

Thermal Desktop / THERMICA / NX SST

Job description

Rocket Lab seeks an Aerodynamics Analyst to advance Neutron vehicle performance through CFD-driven analyses and physics-based design. Based in Auckland, you will generate aerotables, validate simulations, and model plume interactions across flight regimes, partnering with design, test, and GNC teams to ensure safe and effective vehicle operations.

You will apply first-principles reasoning, Python scripting, and industry CFD tools to iterate concepts, analyze data, and support mission-critical