Senior Thermofluids Analyst – CFD & Thermal Modelling

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

Job summary

Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand is seeking a Senior Thermofluids Analyst to join the Thermofluids Analysis team. You will model internal thermodynamics and fluids across Electron and Neutron vehicles, own thermal design, and collaborate with design and test engineers to ensure margins and performance.

The role requires a degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, 5+ years in related sectors, and strong Python/ CFD experience.

Qualifications

• Requires degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or a similar field.
• 5+ years industry experience, preferably from Aerospace, Automotive, or Marine sectors.
• Strong physics and first-principles problem-solving approach.
• Expertise with CFD packages: Fluent, CFX, STAR-CCM+.
• Experience with engineering programming, especially Python.
• Ability to meet deadlines in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Own system thermal design across ground, flight, and in-space operations.
• Perform heat transfer simulations and develop design guidelines and mitigations.
• Model HVAC and cavity conditioning and support payload integration.
• Work with design and test engineers to iterate concepts and demonstrate margins.
• Process and interpret ground test and flight data and resolve sensor issues.

Skills

5+ years aerospace/automotive/marine

First principles problem solving

Mentoring junior engineers

High-pressure, deadline-driven work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or similar

Tools

Fluent

CFX

STAR-CCM+

Python

NX CAD

Teamcenter

Thermal Desktop

THERMICA

NX SST

Job description

Rocket Lab in Auckland, New Zealand is seeking a Senior Thermofluids Analyst to join the Thermofluids Analysis team. You will model internal thermodynamics and fluids across Electron and Neutron vehicles, own thermal design, and collaborate with design and test engineers to ensure margins and performance.

The role requires a degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, 5+ years in related sectors, and strong Python/ CFD experience.