Spacecraft Thermal Engineer II Verified today
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. Our Electron rocket has delivered over 230 satellites to orbit and ranks second among frequently launched U.S. rockets. We are developing Neutron, a medium-lift reusable launch vehicle. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars, and components for the James Webb Space Telescope.
Space Systems Team
Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration to national security and defense. We build complete spacecraft, precision payloads, and subsystems including solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, and radios.
The Role
Based in Long Beach, CA, you will oversee thermal design, analysis, testing, and validation of Rocket Lab's space vehicles. You will perform thermal modeling and data analysis while working closely with test and design engineers to capture vehicle thermal performance and provide input for design improvements. You will support the Space Systems organization with deliverables for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.
What You'll Do
- Complete thermal modeling and analysis of vehicles
- Conduct thermal design trade studies balancing performance margins, resource use, risk, cost, and schedule
- Identify and resolve thermal design, acceptance, and performance issues for space vehicle components and assemblies
- Design and execute thermal tests for space vehicle components and assemblies
- Perform thermal model validation using test and in-flight data
- Liaise with all levels of program and engineering staff on thermal design and test matters
- Support other teams and disciplines as necessary
- Identify and research potential vendors of thermal control materials
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline
- 2+ years of thermal engineering experience
- U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements
Desirable Qualifications
- Master's or PhD in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline
- Strong background in heat transfer
- Experience with thermal systems and passive thermal management techniques
- Familiarity with Siemens NX and Teamcenter, with emphasis on model interrogation and defeaturing for analyses
- Demonstrated experience with Thermal Desktop
- Experience with planning, execution, and data analysis of thermal balance tests
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and build strong working relationships with colleagues
- Experience with constant conductance and variable conductance heat pipes
- Experience with multi-layer insulation design, fabrication, installation, and test
- Experience with 0-D and 1-D thermal/fluid networks
- Familiarity with scripting languages such as Python and MATLAB
- Familiarity with thermal engineering tools such as NX Space Systems Thermal, ANSYS, SINDA, and THERMICA
- Knowledge of launch and on-orbit operations
- Familiarity with orbital mechanics and attitude dynamics related to thermal analysis
Compensation and Benefits
Base salary range (CA only): $95,000 to $125,000 USD. Level and base salary determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Total rewards include company equity and a robust benefits package: top-tier medical HMO and PPO with 100% company-sponsored HSA option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave annually, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Additional perks include discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts. Benefit eligibility varies by employment status.
Work Environment
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.
ITAR and Eligibility Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including ITAR, employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident with current Green Card, lawfully admitted as a refugee or granted asylum, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce.