Spacecraft Thermal Engineer II - Secret Clearance

Rocket Lab•Long Beach, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Rocket Lab is seeking a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer II for its global headquarters in Long Beach, CA. This role is responsible for overseeing the thermal design, analysis, testing, and validation of Rocket Lab’s space vehicles. The engineer will perform thermal modeling and data analysis, collaborating with test and design engineers to understand the vehicle’s thermal performance and suggest design improvements. This position supports the Space Systems organization and will produce deliverables for internal leadership, the board of directors, and investors.

Requirements

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

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