Senior Aerodynamics Analyst – CFD & Hypersonics

Rocket Lab; Auckland; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand, seeks a Senior Aerodynamics Analyst to join the Thermofluids Analysis team, predicting aerodynamics and aerothermal environments for Electron & Neutron across all mission phases.

This role requires a Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering degree and 5+ years in aerospace; you will perform CFD analyses, develop aerotables, and model plumes, with close collaboration to design, test, and GNC teams to ensure safe, efficient flight operations.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 5+ years industry experience in aerospace/related fields.
• Strong physics-based problem solving approach.
• Experience with CFD packages (Fluent/CFX/STAR-CCM+).
• Experience in engineering programming (Python).
• Ability to meet changing deadlines in a high-pressure environment.

Responsibilities

• Generate aerotables and characterize vehicle performance (stability, control, loads, aerodynamics).
• Perform, validate, and document CFD analyses across hypersonic to subsonic regimes.
• Model plumes and plume interactions; define re-entry architecture and related parameters.
• Collaborate with design and test engineers to iterate concepts and test requirements.
• Work with GNC team to enable safe landing and recovery of Neutron’s 1st Stage.
• Interpret ground flight data and verify MPE bounds; troubleshoot sensor configs.

Skills

Aerospace engineering

Python programming

Analytical thinking

Education

Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering degree

Tools

Fluent/CFX/STAR-CCM+

NX CAD

Teamcenter

Job description

Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand, seeks a Senior Aerodynamics Analyst to join the Thermofluids Analysis team, predicting aerodynamics and aerothermal environments for Electron & Neutron across all mission phases.

This role requires a Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering degree and 5+ years in aerospace; you will perform CFD analyses, develop aerotables, and model plumes, with close collaboration to design, test, and GNC teams to ensure safe, efficient flight operations.