Senior Ground Systems Engineer - Fluids

rocketlab; Wallops Island (VA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 164,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Purchase Program (15%)

Top-tier medical plans

Dental and vision coverage

Paid vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays

401(k) company match

Job summary

Rocket Lab on Virginia's Wallops Island is hiring a Senior Ground Systems Engineer - Fluids to lead the design, analysis, and activation of critical fluid systems for the Neutron launch vehicle. This hands-on role collaborates with suppliers, technicians, and cross-functional teams to ensure reliable, safe fluid infrastructure for launch operations.

You will design cryogenic, hydraulic, fuel, high-pressure gas, and HVAC systems; model in NX; prepare P&IDs and schematics; mentor junior engineers;

Qualifications

• Knowledge of fluid systems, sizing calculations, and P&IDs.
• Ability to mentor and guide entry level engineers.
• ABET accredited Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Design fluid systems including cryogenics, hydraulics, fuels, high pressure gases and HVAC.
• 2D and 3D modelling through CAD software NX/SolidWorks.
• System sizing and analysis by hand calculations and numerical methods.
• Generate & maintain schematics of fluid/process systems (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.

Skills

Fluid systems knowledge

Sizing calculations

P&IDs

Mentoring engineers

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!

SENIOR GROUND SYSTEMS ENGINEER - FLUIDS

As a Senior Ground Systems Engineer - 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 SENIOR ENGINEER I:

• ABET accredited Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Ability to mentor and guide entry level engineers through the design process of fluids systems.
• 5+ 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.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state of Virginia's pay transparency requirements. 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.

Total Compensation (base and equity) $115,000 - $164,000 USD

Base Salary $100,000 - $137,000 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 innovation, teamwork, grit, and