Spacecraft Thermal Engineer II - Secret Clearance 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. The Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. Our Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components for missions to the Moon and Mars, including components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.
The Role
Based in Long Beach, CA, you will oversee the thermal design, analysis, testing, and validation of Rocket Lab's space vehicles. You'll 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 that balance 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 or mechanical engineering, or other engineering degree
- 2+ years of thermal engineering experience
- U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements
- Active Secret clearance with TS/SCI eligibility
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering, or other engineering degree
- 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 subsequent analyses
- Demonstrated experience with Thermal Desktop
- Experience with planning, execution, and data analysis of thermal balance tests
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- 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): $100,000 to $130,000 USD. Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.
Benefits include: top tier medical HMO, PPO, and 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option; dental and vision coverage; 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year; 11 paid holidays per year; flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts; paid parental leave; disability insurance; life insurance; 401(k) retirement plan with company match; discounted employee stock purchase program; subsidized EV charging stations; onsite gym; food and drinks; and other discounts. Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status.
Working Conditions
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.