Ground Systems Engineer II/Senior who designs, builds, and activates launch pad fluid systems (cryogenics, hydraulics, fuels, high-pressure gases, HVAC) for Rocket Lab's Neutron launch vehicle. Day to day involves CAD modeling in NX, hand and numerical sizing calculations, P&ID schematics, BOMs, and supplier coordination.
Compensation
$87K–$135K / yr
Location
Wallops Island, VA
Work setup
Not specified
Seniority
Senior
Employment
Not specified
Experience
2+ years
Category
Software engineering
Posted
Skills
cad
itar
nfpa
solidworks
Must have
ABET accredited Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
Strong engineering fundamentals and ability to perform design calculations with limited guidance (Level II)
2+ years of directly applicable design, testing, and/or operations experience in aerospace or industrial sectors (Level II)
Knowledge of fluid systems, sizing calculations, and P&IDs
Proficiency in CAD software (NX, Solidworks)
Ability to mentor and guide entry level engineers through fluid systems design (Senior track)
5+ years of directly applicable design, testing, and/or operations experience in aerospace or industrial sectors (Senior track)
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 stands, or 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. Caesar II)
Experience with ASME, ASTM, NFPA, and/or NASA ground system standards
Full 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/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’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
(NOTE: This position can be hired as a Level II Engineer or a Senior Engineer I level.)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.
Ground Systems Engineer II/Senior – Fluids at Rocket Lab (Wallops Island, VA) — aijobsearch
Knowledge of fluid systems, sizing calculations, and P&IDs.
Proficiency in CAD software (NX, Solidworks)
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.
The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the state of Virginia’s pay transparency requirements. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.
Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.
Base Pay Range (VA Only)
$87,000—$135,000 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 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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.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.