Ground Systems Engineer II/Senior - Fluids

Rocket Lab; Wattsville (VA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab, located in Wattsville, Virginia, is seeking a Ground Systems Engineer II/Senior for their Neutron launch vehicle project. The role involves designing fluid systems, generating schematics, and ensuring system readiness in harsh environments.

Candidates should possess an ABET accredited Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, with 2+ years' experience for Level II and 5+ years for Senior roles. Success in this fast-paced environment requires innovation, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in aerospace or industrial sectors for Level II Engineer.
• 5+ years of experience for Senior Engineer I with mentoring ability.
• Knowledge of P&IDs and fluid system sizing calculations.

Responsibilities

• Design fluid systems including cryogenics, hydraulics, and HVAC.
• Generate and maintain schematics for fluid/process systems.
• Support certification of launch pad fluid systems.

Skills

Fluid systems knowledge

2D and 3D modeling

Engineering fundamentals

Proficiency in CAD software

Education

ABET accredited Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

NX CAD software

Solidworks

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. Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. We are also developing Neutron, a medium‑lift reusable launch vehicle for large constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components for NASA missions to the Moon, Mars, the James Webb Space Telescope, and other national security and climate‑change monitoring missions.

Neutron

Neutron is a medium lift launch vehicle capable of delivering massive constellations, high‑assurance payloads, and human spaceflight. As a highly reusable platform it will offer a cost‑effective and reliable launch solution while building on Rocket Lab’s proven success with Electron.

Ground Systems Engineer II/Senior – Fluids

As a Ground Systems Engineer II/Senior – 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 will work on systems that operate in harsh and hazardous environments, ensuring they meet the rigorous demands of space exploration.

What You’ll Get to Do

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

(NOTE: This position can be hired as a Level II Engineer or a Senior Engineer I level.)

Level II Engineer Qualifications

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

Senior Engineer I Qualifications

• ABET accredited Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Ability to mentor and guide entry‑level engineers through the design process of fluid systems.
• 5+ years of directly applicable design, testing, and/or operations experience in aerospace or industrial sectors.
• Knowledge of fluid systems, sizing calculations, and P&IDs.
• Proficiency in CAD software (NX, Solidworks).

Nice to Have Qualifications

• Advanced Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Equivalent.
• Thriving in a fast‑paced, autonomous environment.
• Professional Engineer License.
• Experience with piping systems, launch pad systems, engine test stands, or related 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.

Additional Requirements

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.

What to Expect

Rocket Lab’s culture is built on hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others deem impossible. Our people out‑think, out‑work, and out‑pace, pushing boundaries while supporting one another and staying focused on delivering solutions rather than dwelling on challenges.

Candidate Eligibility – U.S. 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, or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process should contact Giulia Johnson.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Candidate Eligibility – New Zealand Offices Only

For security reasons, background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks include nationality checks as the position requires access to 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 NATO member, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information, see ITAR regulations.