Spacecraft Thermal Engineer II

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 – all with the goal of opening access to 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 Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, while we develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift reusable launch vehicle. The Space Systems business designs and builds satellites, payloads, and components for NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and the James Webb Space Telescope, and serves national defense and security initiatives.

Based out of Rocket Lab’s headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we are looking for a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer II. You will oversee the thermal design, analysis, testing, and validation of Rocket Lab’s space vehicles, performing thermal modeling and data analysis while working closely with test and design engineers to capture vehicle performance and provide input for design improvements. You will support the Space Systems organization, delivering results required for internal leadership, the board of directors, and investors.

• Complete thermal modeling and analysis of vehicles
• Conduct thermal design trade studies that balance performance, 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 and disciplines as necessary
• Identify and research potential vendors of thermal control materials

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, or other engineering
• Minimum 2 years of thermal engineering experience
• U.S. citizenship required

• Master’s or Ph.D. in aerospace, mechanical, or other engineering
• Strong background in heat transfer
• Experience with thermal systems and passive thermal management techniques
• Familiarity using Siemens NX and Teamcenter, focusing 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 written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently while building strong relationships with colleagues
• Experience with constant conductance and variable conductance heat pipes
• Experience working 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 aspects of launch and on‑orbit operations
• Familiarity with orbital mechanics and attitude dynamics related to thermal analysis

• Vision: close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to focus
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate a computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes, and moderate levels of noise

Base salary range (CA only): $95,000—$125,000 USD. Base salary is one component of the total rewards package. Employees may receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package, including medical HMO, PPO, 100% company‑sponsored HSA plan, dental and vision coverage, three weeks paid vacation, five days sick leave per year, eleven paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability…