Aerospace Aerodynamics Analyst - CFD & Hypersonics

Rocket Lab USA; Auckland; On-site; NZD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking an Aerodynamics Analyst to join our Thermofluids Analysis team in Auckland, NZ. You will predict aerodynamics and aerothermal environments for Electron and Neutron across mission phases, and collaborate with design and test engineers to iterate concepts and constraints.

You will use CFD tools to model flows, analyze plumes and heating, and work with GNC to support safe landings of Neutron’s first stage, while interpreting test data and ensuring robust margins.

Qualifications

• Required: degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 1+ years industry experience in Aerospace, Automotive, or Marine sectors.
• Strong fundamentals in physics and first principles.
• Expertise with CFD packages: Fluent, CFX, STAR-CCM+.
• Experience with Python programming (numpy, pandas, scipy, matplotlib).
• Ability to work under changing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Generate aerotables and characterize performance, stability, and loads on vehicle surfaces.
• Perform, validate, and document CFD analyses for external flow across hypersonic to subsonic regimes.

Skills

CFD software

Python

Physics-based problem solving

Aerodynamics modeling

High-pressure work pace

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Fluent

CFX

STAR-CCM+

NX CAD

Teamcenter

Job description

Rocket Lab is seeking an Aerodynamics Analyst to join our Thermofluids Analysis team in Auckland, NZ. You will predict aerodynamics and aerothermal environments for Electron and Neutron across mission phases, and collaborate with design and test engineers to iterate concepts and constraints.

You will use CFD tools to model flows, analyze plumes and heating, and work with GNC to support safe landings of Neutron’s first stage, while interpreting test data and ensuring robust margins.