Spacecraft Thermal Engineer II/Senior

Rocket Lab Corporation•Long Beach, CA

4h•Onsite

About The Position

Based out of Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we're looking for a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer II/Senior. You'll be 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. (Please note: this position can be hired at the Spacecraft Thermal Engineer II or Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I level)

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering degree
2+ years of thermal engineering experience (for Spacecraft Thermal Engineer II)
5+ years of thermal engineering experience (for Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I)
U.S citizenship is required, due to program requirements
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus
Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing
Must be physically able to commute to buildings

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