Team Lead - Thermofluids Analysis

Rocket Lab Corporation — Auckland, NZ — cdi

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Published on 13 July 2026 · first appeared in our records on 1 September 2026.

Stable posting: first seen on 1 September 2026, with no abnormal reposting.

This posting shows no salary — 17% of open autre postings in NZ do.

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<div class="content-intro"><p><strong>ABOUT ROCKET LAB</strong></p> <p>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.</p></div><p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>While other companies talk about it, we do it!</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>NEUTRON</strong></p> <p>Rocket Lab’s Neutron team is responsible for bringing our new large rocket Neutron and its launch and test sites to life. From designing and testing Neutron’s structures and components, to firing up its new Archimedes engines, to setting up Neutron’s launch pads and test sites across the United States, joining the Neutron team is your opportunity to help launch a new large rocket for the very first time.</p> <p><strong>TEAM LEAD - THERMOFLUIDS ANALYSIS</strong></p> <p><span class="EOP SCXW251699390 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}"><span class="TextRun SCXW46388481 BCX8" lang="EN-NZ" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46388481 BCX8">As a Team Lead - Thermofluids Analysis</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW46388481 BCX8" lang="EN-NZ" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46388481 BCX8">&nbsp;based at Rocket Lab’s site in&nbsp;</span></span><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW46388481 BCX8" lang="EN-NZ" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46388481 BCX8">Auckland</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW46388481 BCX8" lang="EN-NZ" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46388481 BCX8">, you will be leading a team of hard-working and mission-focused&nbsp;</span></span><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW46388481 BCX8" lang="EN-NZ" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46388481 BCX8">thermofluid analyst </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW46388481 BCX8" lang="EN-NZ" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46388481 BCX8">in supporti</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46388481 BCX8">ng</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46388481 BCX8"> analysis, design validation, and&nbsp;future improvements of Rocket Lab's suite of Launch Vehicles, Space&nbsp;Systems, and Space Components</span></span><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW46388481 BCX8" lang="EN-NZ" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46388481 BCX8">.</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW46388481 BCX8" lang="EN-NZ" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46388481 BCX8">&nbsp;</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46388481 BCX8">To be successful in this role, you must be a <span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW251699390 BCX8" lang="EN-NZ" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW251699390 BCX8">role model for professional behavior</span></span></span></span><span class="TextRun Highlight SCXW46388481 BCX8" lang="EN-NZ" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46388481 BCX8">.</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW46388481 BCX8" lang="EN-NZ" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46388481 BCX8">&nbsp;</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46388481 BCX8">You’ll be responsible for&nbsp;</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46388481 BCX8">setting the tone</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46388481 BCX8">, driving productivity,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46388481 BCX8">&nbsp;and&nbsp;</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46388481 BCX8">ensuring</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW46388481 BCX8">&nbsp;deadlines and targets are consistently met.&nbsp;</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW46388481 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:257}">&nbsp;</span></span></p> <p><strong>WHAT YOU'LL GET TO DO:</strong></p> <ul> <li class="mb-2 whitespace-pre-wrap"><strong>Lead complex thermofluids analysis</strong> for Rocket Lab's launch vehicles and space systems, including CFD simulations of hypersonic and subsonic aerodynamic flows, internal fluid systems (compressible and incompressible flow), and heat transfer analysis (conduction, convection, and radiation)</li> <li class="mb-2 whitespace-pre-wrap"><strong>Drive cross-functional collaboration</strong> by working closely with design and test engineers to iterate design concepts, process flight and ground test data to validate vehicle performance, and identify anomalies using first principles physics and data analysis</li> <li class="mb-2 whitespace-pre-wrap"><strong>Shape technical direction</strong> by conducting peer reviews, establishing analysis methodology, documenting best practices, and producing qualification test levels while coordinating knowledge sharing across global teams</li> <li class="mb-2 whitespace-pre-wrap"><strong>Mentor and develop the team</strong> by coaching junior analysts on technical best practices, creating training opportunities, establishing performance management plans, and serving as a role model for professional behavior and effective team discussions</li> </ul> <p><strong>YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:</strong></p> <ul> <li class="mb-2 whitespace-pre-wrap"><strong>Advanced engineering degree</strong> (Mechanical, Aerospace, or similar) with 5+ years of industry experience from Aerospace, Automotive, or Marine sectors, bringing a strong physics and first principles approach to problem-solving</li> <li class="mb-2 whitespace-pre-wrap"><strong>Expert-level CFD and thermal modeling skills</strong> with hands-on experience using industry-standard packages (Fluent, CFX, STAR-CCM+, Thermal Desktop, THERMICA, or NX SST) and proven ability to validate and document complex analyses</li> <li class="mb-2 whitespace-pre-wrap"><strong>Strong technical toolkit</strong> including proficiency with NX CAD/Teamcenter (or comparable packages), sensor selection and data post-processing, and engineering programming expertise in Python (numpy, pandas, scipy, matplotlib)</li> <li class="mb-2 whitespace-pre-wrap"><strong>Proven execution and communication abilities</strong> with demonstrated success delivering results under changing deadlines in high-pressure environments, building strong cross-functional relationships, and communicating effectively through written documents and presentations</li> </ul> <p><strong>THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:</strong></p> <ul> <li class="mb-2 whitespace-pre-wrap"><strong>Structural analysis background</strong> with familiarity in structural mechanics and analysis techniques to complement thermofluids expertise and enable broader problem-solving capabilities</li> <li class="mb-2 whitespace-pre-wrap"><strong>Industry standards knowledge</strong> including experience with MIL-STD-1540, GSFC-STD-7000, ECSS-E-HB-32, NASA-STD-5001, or similar aerospace qualification standards</li> <li class="mb-2 whitespace-pre-wrap"><strong>Manufacturing process understanding</strong> with familiarity in conventional machining and additive manufacturing to inform design-for-manufacturability decisions</li> <li class="mb-2 whitespace-pre-wrap"><strong>Mentoring experience</strong> with a track record of developing junior engineers and supporting their technical growth through training, on-the-job coaching, and career development</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>If the above sounds like you <strong>apply</strong> now!</p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p><div class="content-conclusion"><p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">WHAT TO EXPECT</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:0,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">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.&nbsp; </span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p> <p>Important information:</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:</strong></span></p> <p><em>To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab