Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I/II

Rocket Lab Corporation•Long Beach, CA

18h•$82,000 - $126,000•Onsite

About The Position

Based out of Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I/II is responsible for overseeing the thermal design, analysis, testing, and validation of Rocket Lab’s space vehicles. You’ll be expected to perform thermal modeling and data analysis while working closely with the test and design engineers to capture the vehicle’s thermal performance and provide input for design improvements. You will support the Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering degree
Thermal engineering experience
U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements
2+ years of Thermal engineering experience in the aerospace industry, as a thermal engineer or other hands-on engineering role

Nice To Haves

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 using 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 but also build strong working 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

Responsibilities

Complete thermal modeling and analysis of vehicles
Conduct thermal design trade studies that successfully 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

Benefits

Company stock as part of your total compensation package
Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock)
Top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company contribution)
Dental and vision coverage
Paid vacation and sick time
11 paid holidays
Flexible spending and dependent care accounts
Paid parental leave
Disability and life insurance
401(k) retirement plan with company match
Subsidized EV charging
Onsite fitness centers (where available)
Discounted gym memberships
Complimentary snacks and beverages
50% employee discount on our popular merch store
Variety of other employee discounts