Lead, Thermofluids & CFD for Space Launch Systems

Rocket Lab Corp.; Auckland; Hybrid; NZD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand, is seeking a Team Lead for Thermofluids Analysis to own thermodynamics and fluid mechanics across launch systems. You’ll lead a multidisciplinary team spanning Aero science, Thermal, and Propellant analysis, guiding trades and delivering key projects.

This role requires strong CFD experience, a physics-first approach, and the ability to mentor engineers while communicating with stakeholders. Based in NZ, you’ll help shape Rocket Lab’s Neutron program.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 5+ years industry experience in aerospace, automotive, or marine sectors.
• Physics-first approach to problem solving.
• Experience with CFD packages: Fluent, CFX, STAR-CCM+.
• Experience with thermal modelling: Thermal Desktop, THERMICA, NX SST.
• Engineering programming in Python (numpy/pandas/scipy/matplotlib).
• Able to deliver under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead Thermofluids Analysis team and mentor staff.
• Direct concept-level trades on architecture, operation, and capability.
• Perform CFD analyses across hypersonic, transonic and subsonic regimes.
• Model plumes and re-entry architecture, and define event conditions.
• Own system thermal design for ground, flight, and in-space operations.
• Collaborate with design and test engineers to validate concepts.

Skills

Mechanical/Aerospace Eng

CFD Fluent

CFD CFX

CFD STAR-CCM+

Python programming

Physics-based problem solving

Engineering deadlines

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX CAD

Teamcenter

Thermal Desktop

THERMICA

NX SST

Python

Job description

Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand, is seeking a Team Lead for Thermofluids Analysis to own thermodynamics and fluid mechanics across launch systems. You’ll lead a multidisciplinary team spanning Aero science, Thermal, and Propellant analysis, guiding trades and delivering key projects.

This role requires strong CFD experience, a physics-first approach, and the ability to mentor engineers while communicating with stakeholders. Based in NZ, you’ll help shape Rocket Lab’s Neutron program.