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Rocket Lab is seeking a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I or II to join its Space Systems team in Long Beach, CA. This role is responsible for the thermal design, analysis, testing, and validation of Rocket Lab's space vehicles and spacecraft. You will perform thermal modeling and data analysis, working closely with test and design engineers to capture vehicle thermal performance and drive design improvements. Deliverables support internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.
Key responsibilities include: completing thermal modeling and analysis of vehicles; conducting thermal design trade studies balancing performance margins, resource use, risk, cost, and schedule; identifying and resolving thermal design, acceptance, and performance issues for space vehicle components and assemblies; designing and executing thermal tests for components and assemblies; performing thermal model validation using test and in-flight data; liaising with program and engineering staff on thermal design and test matters; and researching potential vendors of thermal control materials.
For Thermal Engineer I: Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or other engineering discipline; thermal engineering experience; U.S. citizenship required due to program requirements.
For Thermal Engineer II: Bachelor's degree in aerospace, mechanical, or other engineering discipline; 2+ years of thermal engineering experience in the aerospace industry; U.S. citizenship required.
Desirable qualifications include: Master's or PhD in 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; strong written and verbal communication; experience with heat pipes, multi-layer insulation, thermal/fluid networks; familiarity with Python and MATLAB; knowledge of thermal engineering tools (NX Space Systems Thermal, ANSYS, SINDA, THERMICA); understanding of launch and on-orbit operations; and familiarity with orbital mechanics and attitude dynamics.
