Opportunity to play a key role in Rocket Lab's recovery program
Ground breaking project
Great team environment
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is the global leader in dedicated small satellite launch. Launching from right here in New Zealand, we design and build innovative technology to give small satellites a premium ride to orbit.
Small satellites play a crucial role in our day-to-day lives – they connect us, keep us safe, help us understand our planet and manage our impact on it, and they enable us to innovate and explore. There are endless possibilities for what we can achieve with better access to space, and that access is now a reality thanks to Rocket Lab.
Our relentlessly innovative team is behind Electron, the world’s only truly commercial small satellite launch vehicle in operation today. With multiple orbital launches under our belt and a record of 100% mission success, we’re opening access to space to improve life on Earth. We’ve built a world class team with a reputation for doing the impossible. Every day we pursue ideas that challenge, excite and demand more of us, and we make them real. Be a part of it.
About the role
The Recovery Systems Simulation Engineer is responsible for developing and using simulation tools to assist with recovery systems design, architecture, planning and operations. The recovery team is developing the systems required to recover and reuse the Electron first stage. The Recovery Systems Simulation Engineer will play a critical role in the development of these systems. A ‘fail fast’ approach is used to meet aggressive schedules and quickly build institutional knowledge.
Key areas of responsibility will include:
Developing simulation tools for 3DOF and 6DOF dynamics and trajectory simulation, aerodynamics, aerothermodynamics and other physical systems as required
Supporting aerodynamic, aerothermal and structural analysis and testing of high speed aerodynamic decelerator systems
Collaborating with core GNC, Analysis and Flight Safety teams to leverage and build upon existing tools in C++ and python
Executing simulations and Monte Carlo analysis to inform recovery system architecture and design
Minimum requirements
Bachelors, Masters or Ph.D in Mechanical, Aerospace engineering, Physics, or a related field
An understanding of 3DOF and 6DOF aerodynamics, and the capability to determine aero coefficients from data or CFD
Experience simulating time varying physical systems and a strong understanding of numerical time integration
A good theoretical or practical understanding of aerodynamics (compressible, supersonic/hypersonic) and thermodynamics
Excellent communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships
Desired requirements
3+ years’ experience with object-oriented C++
3+ years’ experience with python programming
An understanding of 6DOF dynamics and experience using 6DOF solvers
Experience with git version control
Familiarity with analyzing and manipulating CAD files
Experience using computational fluid dynamics solvers
Everyone works on the big stuff. This isn’t a huge aerospace company where you get lost in bureaucracy and end up a tiny cog in a giant machine. At Rocket Lab, your work directly impacts the success of each mission. Everyone’s voice is heard, and everyone can contribute major projects. This is your chance to play a pivotal role in developing space systems that change the way we access space.
Important Information:
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 http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/regulations_laws/itar.html.
