Fluid Component Engineer II

Rocket Lab USA; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 111,000 - 139,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

EV charging

Fitness center

Gym discount

Snacks and beverages

Merch discounts

Job summary

Rocket Lab USA in California is seeking a Fluid Component Engineer II to own fluid component designs from concept through launch on the Neutron launch vehicle. You will develop analytical models, CAD definitions, and lead reviews with internal and vendor teams.

The role emphasizes hands-on prototyping, testing, and resolving reliability issues, with a path to scalable design and reduced cost while maintaining flight‑ready performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering.
• 2+ years of experience with mechanical design and assembly, CAD, FEA, 2D drawings, and GD&T.
• Strong first-principles engineering knowledge to establish and challenge requirements and develop optimized designs.
• Knowledge of metal and polymer properties, fabrication, fastening, assembly, and testing methods.
• Strong fundamentals in structural analysis, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics and electromechanical systems.
• Demonstrated ability to bring definition to complex design problems in a fast-paced environment with information available.
• Hands-on experience with prototyping, mechanical assembly and pressure testing.

Responsibilities

• Own fluid component designs from concept through launch.
• Create and maintain analytical models to size new components and predict behavior.
• Create CAD models, drawings, and test procedures for components.
• Lead design, manufacturing, and test reviews.
• Manage vendor and internal schedules during design, build and test sprints.
• Build and test prototype components with engineers and technicians.
• Lead test campaigns to qualify components for flight.
• Investigate root causes of hardware failures and implement fixes.
• Update designs to reduce cost and mass while increasing build rate.

Skills

First-principles engineering

Hands-on problem solving

Strong engineering fundamentals

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering

Tools

CAD

FEA

GD&T

Pressure testing

Prototype fabrication

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more - all with the goal of opening access to space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium‑lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

NEUTRON ROCKET

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering the mega constellations of tomorrow, high assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable launch platform, Neutron will deliver a highly cost-effective and reliable launch solution leveraging Rocket Lab's proven execution history with the Electron program.

FLUID COMPONENT ENGINEER II

The Fluid Component Engineer II plays a key role in the design, build and test of fluid components across the Neutron launch vehicle, including valves, actuators and regulators. You will collaborate with an amazing team of engineers in the Fluid Systems department to turn vehicle‑level requirements into a family of fluid components that enable Neutron to operate with aircraft‑like reusability and reliability.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO

• Own fluid component designs from concept through launch
• Create and maintain analytical models to size new components from first principles and predict sealing, force balance, structural and timing behavior
• Create and maintain component product definition through CAD models, technical drawings, and test procedures
• Lead key component design, manufacturing and test reviews
• Manage vendor and internal schedules during design, build and test sprints.
• Build and test prototype components hands‑on, collaborating with machinists, build technicians, manufacturing engineers, and test engineers
• Lead test campaigns to qualify components for flight
• Conduct root cause failure investigations of hardware, and implement design fixes to achieve reliability
• Update existing component designs to address critical failure modes while reducing cost and mass and increasing build rate.
• Review data from engine and vehicle test operations to validate component performance and diagnose anomalies

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering
• 2+ years of experience with mechanical design and assembly, CAD, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), 2D drawings, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
• Strong first-principles engineering knowledge to establish and challenge requirements and develop optimized designs
• Knowledge of metal and polymer material properties, fabrication, fastening, assembly and testing methods
• Strong engineering fundamentals in structural analysis, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics and electromechanical systems
• Demonstrated ability to bring definition to complex design problems in a fast‑paced environment with information available
• Hands‑on experience with prototyping, mechanical assembly and pressure testing

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE

• 5+ years experience of aerospace valve specific design, build and test
• Experience with cryogenic oxygen & methane components and combustion devices
• Experience using fluids analysis tools such as REFPROP and GFSSP
• Experience using Siemens NX
• Experience using Python
• Experience with precision CNC machining (mill and lathe) and CAM

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas

Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive base pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company.

Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top‑tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match.

Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$110,800 — $138,600 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out‑think, out‑work, and out‑pace. We pride ourselves on having each other's backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [e-mail]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.