Thermo-Mechanical Engineer II- Mission Formulation
Rocket Lab USA - Long Beach, CA
posted 15 days ago
About the position
Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more. Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights! The Thermo-Mechanical Engineer II - Mission Formulation is responsible for developing high-performance launch vehicle systems in support of the Launch Systems Business Development and Strategy team. The Thermo-Mechanical Engineer II is an integral part of Rocket Lab's Global Launch Services (GLS) Mission Formulation Team which works closely with other Engineering teams and Production to bring new launch and mission concepts to life. This team is also responsible for the formulation and implementation of classified missions on HASTE and Electron launch vehicles and play a key role in developing future missions for Electron and Neutron. Given the high launch cadence of Electron and pace of Neutron development, you will have unparalleled opportunities for end-to-end hardware development and seeing your designs reach space.
Responsibilities
- Primary thermal/mechanical engineering contact to Business Development for proposal and mission concepts
- Conduct thermo-mechanical design trade studies that balance performance margins, resource use, risk, cost, and schedule
- Conduct detailed thermal modeling and analyses of launch vehicle and spacecraft hardware; especially for launch vehicle-to-payload interfaces
- Work closely with design and systems engineers to define requirements, iterate through design concepts, and demonstrate overall system performance
- Analyze test and flight data to correlate models and improve model fidelity
- Document analyses and designs including inputs, methods, and results as needed for presentation at design and test reviews and for hardware implementation
- Liaise with Program, Engineering, and Customer teams on mechanical design, performance, and test issues and support other teams/disciplines as necessary
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or other related technical discipline
- 2+ years of experience in mechanical engineering
- Experience with CAD software such as NX, Fibersim, Solidworks, CATIA, etc.
- Experience using Thermal Desktop and/or ANSYS Workbench Thermal Analysis
- Experience with engineering programming, scripting, and data analyses in languages such as Python, MATLAB, etc.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD US Government Secret security clearance
Nice-to-haves
- Active TS/SCI clearance
- Prior experience in product lifecycle, inclusive of detailed structural design, analysis, build, integration, and testing of aerospace structures
- Experience with planning, execution, and data analysis of thermal and/or mechanical testing for launch or space mission applications
- Proven experience developing full design solutions for mechanical systems in orbital launch vehicle or missile systems
- Knowledge of key aspects of launch and on-orbit operations as they relate to thermal modeling and analyses
- Experience performing finite element analysis (FEA)
- Fundamental knowledge of structures strength, stability, and fatigue failure mechanisms
- Experience with thermal control including passive and active thermal management techniques
- Experience working on fast-paced design and development projects
- Master's or PhD in engineering (Aerospace/Mechanical/Mechatronics Engineering)
Benefits
- Top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option
- Dental and vision coverage
- 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year
- 11 paid holidays per year
- Flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts
- Paid parental leave
- Disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Discounted employee stock purchase program
- Subsidized EV charging stations
- Onsite gym, food and drinks
- Childcare concierge
- Other discounts
