Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I​/II Pipeline

Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I/II Pipeline

Long Beach, CA

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 Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft and precision payloads to components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, like solar panels, flight software, star trackers, optical systems, separation systems, radios, and more. Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1,700 missions, ranging from interplanetary exploration to national security and defense initiatives, and collaborates with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.

SENIOR SPACECRAFT THERMAL ENGINEER I/II PIPELINE

We are currently seeking Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineers I/II for future opportunities for our thermal engineering team based out of Long Beach. This team supports our Space System division and leads cutting-edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. Spacecraft Thermal Engineers oversee the thermal design, analysis, testing, and validation of Rocket Lab’s space vehicles. They perform thermal modeling and data analysis while working closely with test and design engineers to capture the vehicle’s thermal performance and provide input for design improvements.

Deliverables are prepared for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO 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, and support other teams/disciplines as necessary
• Identify and research potential vendors of thermal control materials

NOTE: this position can be hired at the Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I or Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer II level.

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SENIOR SPACECRAFT THERMAL ENGINEER I:

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering degree
• 5+ years of experience in thermal engineering
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS SENIOR SPACECRAFT THERMAL ENGINEER II:

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering degree
• 8+ years of thermal engineering experience
• U.S. citizenship is required, due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 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, including model interrogation and defeaturing for 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 while building strong working relationships
• 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

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision…