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Rocket Lab is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer to join its Space Systems team in Long Beach, CA. You will oversee the thermal design, analysis, testing, and validation of Rocket Lab's space vehicles and spacecraft. The role involves performing comprehensive thermal modeling and data analysis while collaborating closely with test and design engineers to capture vehicle thermal performance and drive design improvements. You'll deliver thermal analysis and recommendations to internal leadership, the board of directors, and investors.
Key responsibilities include: conducting complete thermal modeling and analysis of vehicles; performing thermal design trade studies that balance performance margins, resource use, risk, cost, and schedule; identifying and resolving thermal design and performance issues for space vehicle components and assemblies; designing and executing thermal tests; validating thermal models using test and in-flight data; liaising with program and engineering staff across all levels on thermal matters; and researching potential vendors of thermal control materials.
You'll bring a Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical engineering, or related field, plus 5+ years of thermal engineering experience with spacecraft or satellite development programs. U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements. Preferred qualifications include a Master's or PhD in aerospace/mechanical engineering; strong heat transfer background; experience with thermal systems and passive thermal management; proficiency with Siemens NX, Teamcenter, and Thermal Desktop; experience planning and executing thermal balance tests; expertise with heat pipes and multi-layer insulation; familiarity with 0-D and 1-D thermal/fluid networks; scripting skills in Python or MATLAB; knowledge of thermal engineering tools (NX Space Systems Thermal, ANSYS, SINDA, THERMICA); and understanding of launch/on-orbit operations and orbital mechanics.
Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems. The Space Systems team has enabled over 1,700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration to national security initiatives, working with NASA, the Space Development Agency, and the U.S. Space Force.
