Senior Aerodynamics Engineer

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Rocket Lab

Auckland, NZ

On-site

Posted February 25, 2026

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 space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

NEUTRON
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.

SENIOR AERODYNAMICS ENGINEER

Rocket Lab’s integrated analysis team contributes to the operation and development of Neutron by using modelling and simulation to solve challenging problems involving dynamics, fluid flow, and thermodynamics. Whether it is using CFD simulations, writing code to model flow physics, or applying data analysis on flight measurements to develop vehicle performance, analysis is critical to guide changes and develop the capability of Neutron. As a Senior Aerodynamics Engineer in Rocket Lab’s Thermofluids Analysis team you will contribute to the analysis, design validation, and improvements of Rocket Lab’s launch vehicles.

Day to day, you will be expected to lead concept development, perform trade studies, run simulations, and evaluate performance around Neutron’s aerodynamics, heating, plume interaction and compartment venting. You will be responsible for evaluating aerodynamic control, flow feature characterisation, and representing these by generating aero-table databases.

Join a driven team that’s tackling challenging projects, delivering on exciting missions, and making an impact on the future of space!

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Perform, validate, and document multi-physics analyses of launch vehicle aerodynamics and provide support for development projects, including:
- Identify and leading the implementation of changes to vehicle aerodynamic design and characterisation
- Performing trade-off studies
- System design and optimization
Aerodynamic performance and flight dynamics across ascent, re-entry, descent glide and landing
Aerodynamic control, operation envelopes and unsteady flow features
Represent aerodynamic characteristics through aero tables and models
Own aerodynamic loads and environments
Own Compartment venting design and environments

YOU'LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

A degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering or similar field
5+ years industry experience, ideally from the Aerospace, Automotive or Marine industries  with an aerodynamic or fluid dynamics focus
Excellent understanding of physical principles surrounding aerodynamics, heat transfer, dynamics, internal flow etc.)
Demonstrated experience with one or more industry standard CFD packages: Fluent, CFX, STAR-CCM+, etc.&nbs

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