Senior Aerodynamics Analyst – Hypersonics CFD Specialist

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

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand, seeks a Senior Aerodynamics Analyst to join the Thermofluids Analysis team. You will predict aerodynamics and aerothermal environments across mission phases for Electron and Neutron, enabling accurate design and testing.

The role requires a Mechanical or Aerospace degree and 5+ years in relevant industries, with expertise in CFD ( Fluent, CFX, STAR-CCM+ ) and strong Python skills for data analysis.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 5+ years in aerospace, automotive or marine industries.
• Strong first-principles based problem solving.
• Expertise with CFD tools: Fluent, CFX, STAR-CCM+.
• Proficient in Python (numpy, pandas, scipy, matplotlib).
• Ability to meet changing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Generate aerotables and characterize performance (stability, control, loads).
• CFD analyses of external flow across hypersonic to subsonic regimes.
• Model plumes and define re-entry architecture and margins.
• Collaborate with design/test engineers to iterate concepts.
• Support GNC teams to enable safe landings of Neutron's first stage.
• Process ground/flight data, verify MPE bounds and diagnose sensor issues.

Skills

CFD: Fluent

CFD: STAR-CCM+

Python programming

Deadline-driven

Aerospace mindset

Education

Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX CAD

Teamcenter

Thermal Desktop

THERMICA

NX SST

Job description

Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand, seeks a Senior Aerodynamics Analyst to join the Thermofluids Analysis team. You will predict aerodynamics and aerothermal environments across mission phases for Electron and Neutron, enabling accurate design and testing.

The role requires a Mechanical or Aerospace degree and 5+ years in relevant industries, with expertise in CFD ( Fluent, CFX, STAR-CCM+ ) and strong Python skills for data analysis.