Ground Systems Engineer II - Fluids

rocketlab; Wallops Island (VA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity grant

Employee Stock Purchase Program

Health, dental and vision plans

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Ground Systems Engineer II - Fluids to design, analyze, and activate critical fluid systems for the Neutron launch vehicle. You will work with suppliers and cross-functional teams to ensure reliability and readiness, from concept to commissioning.

Join a fast-growing space company and contribute to launch site fluid systems, certification, and maintenance programs while benefiting from a strong compensation package and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited degree required.
• 2+ years of aerospace or industrial experience.
• Knowledge of fluid systems sizing calculations and P&IDs.

Responsibilities

• Design fluid systems including cryogenics, hydraulics, fuels, high pressure gases and HVAC.
• 2D and 3D modelling through CAD software, specifically NX.

Skills

Fluid systems design

Aerospace design experience

Analytical calculations

CAD proficiency

Education

ABET accredited Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

Job description

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

NEUTRON

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. If you're interested in joining a high performing team, pushing the boundaries with a clean sheet development of re-usable liquid launch vehicle, this is your opportunity!

GROUND SYSTEMS ENGINEER II - FLUIDS

As a Ground Systems Engineer II - Fluids, you will be the subject matter expert and technical decision-maker, responsible for design, build, and activation activities associated with critical systems that directly support the Neutron Launch Vehicle. You'll work on systems that operate in harsh and hazardous environments, ensuring that they meet the rigorous demands of space exploration.

This role is hands-on and collaborative, requiring you to work closely with suppliers, technicians, and cross-functional teams to deliver world-class solutions. From concept to commissioning, you will play a key role in ensuring Rocket Lab's Ground Systems are reliable, efficient, and ready to support our missions.

WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:

• Design of fluid systems including cryogenics, hydraulics, fuels, high pressure gases and HVAC.
• 2D and 3D modelling through the use of CAD software, specifically NX.
• System sizing and analysis by hand calculation and numerical methods
• Generate & maintain schematics of fluid/process systems e.g. P&IDs, connection diagrams.
• Component selection, development, and maintenance of BOMs
• Interact with suppliers and internal teams
• Support certification of launch pad fluid systems
• Support maintenance program development

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS AS A LEVEL II ENGINEER:

• ABET accredited Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Strong engineering fundamentals and ability to perform required design calculations with limited guidance from senior level engineers.
• 2+ years of experience in directly applicable design, testing, and/or operations within the aerospace or industrial sectors.
• Knowledge of fluid systems, sizing calculations, and P&IDs.
• Proficiency in CAD software (NX, Solidworks)

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Advanced Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Equivalent
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, autonomous environment
• Professional Engineer License
• Experience with Piping systems (large or small)
• Experience with launch pad systems, engine test stand, or other similar industry experience
• Experience with rocket or payload conditioning systems
• Experience with equipment for use with Oxygen
• Experience with Nodal Analysis Tools (e.g. GFSSP, AFT)
• Experience with pipe stress software (e.g. Ceasar II)
• Experience with ASME, ASTM, NFPA, and/or NASA ground system standards would be an asset

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.

Anticipated annual equity grant value is designed around function, level, experience, and other factors; realized value depends on vesting and stock-price performance.

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, 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, 401(k) retirement plan with company match, and other discounts and perks.

Total Compensation (base and equity)

$94,000 - $133,000 USD

Base Salary

$87,000 - $120,000 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 in