Team Lead - Thermofluids Analysis (Aerospace)

Location: Auckland, New Zealand; onsite at hirify.global’s New Zealand office

Company

hirify.global is an end-to-end space company developing rockets, spacecraft, launch infrastructure, and critical aerospace subsystems.

What you will do

• Lead thermofluids analysis for launch vehicles, space systems, and space components.
• Perform and guide CFD simulations of hypersonic and subsonic aerodynamic flows, internal compressible and incompressible fluid systems, and heat transfer by conduction, convection, and radiation.
• Collaborate with design and test engineers to iterate designs, process flight and ground test data, validate vehicle performance, and identify anomalies using physics-based analysis.
• Set technical direction through peer reviews, analysis methodologies, best-practice documentation, qualification test levels, and knowledge sharing across global teams.
• Coach junior analysts, create training opportunities, manage performance plans, and promote effective technical discussions.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a similar discipline, plus 5+ years of industry experience in aerospace, automotive, or marine sectors.
• Expert-level CFD and thermal modeling experience with tools such as Fluent, CFX, STAR-CCM+, Thermal Desktop, THERMICA, or NX SST.
• Experience validating and documenting complex engineering analyses.
• Proficiency with NX CAD/Teamcenter or comparable tools, sensor selection, data post-processing, and engineering programming in Python, including NumPy, pandas, SciPy, and Matplotlib.
• Ability to deliver results under changing deadlines, communicate through technical documents and presentations, and build cross-functional relationships.
• For New Zealand employment, nationality and background checks are required for access to ITAR-regulated equipment and data; eligibility may depend on citizenship or nationality in Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union, or a NATO country.

Nice to have

• Background in structural mechanics and structural analysis.
• Knowledge of aerospace qualification standards such as MIL-STD-1540, GSFC-STD-7000, ECSS-E-HB-32, or NASA-STD-5001.
• Understanding of conventional machining and additive manufacturing.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers and supporting technical development.

Culture & Benefits

• Mission-focused work developing hardware for space missions and launch vehicles.
• Fast-paced environment with tight deadlines and high-pressure technical challenges.
• Culture emphasizing teamwork, accountability, determination, and practical execution.
• Background checks are completed before employment offers for New Zealand roles.