SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Rocket Lab is seeking a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer II to join its Space Systems team in Long Beach, CA. You will own the thermal design, analysis, testing, and validation of Rocket Lab's space vehicles and spacecraft. This role involves performing comprehensive thermal modeling and data analysis while collaborating closely with test and design engineers to understand vehicle thermal performance and drive design improvements. You will deliver thermal analyses 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 will bring a Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or related engineering discipline, plus 2+ years of thermal engineering experience. U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements. Ideal candidates will have a Master's or PhD in engineering, strong heat transfer background, experience with thermal systems and passive thermal management, proficiency in Siemens NX and Teamcenter, hands-on experience with Thermal Desktop, and demonstrated expertise in thermal balance testing. Additional valuable skills include familiarity with Python and MATLAB, thermal engineering tools (NX Space Systems Thermal, ANSYS, SINDA, THERMICA), heat pipe design, multi-layer insulation, orbital mechanics, and launch/on-orbit operations knowledge.
Rocket Lab is the 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. The role offers the opportunity to contribute to bold and ambitious space missions while working with a world-class engineering team.
