Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services complete spacecraft design and manufacturing payloads satellite components and more all with the goal of opening access to space. 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 rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit all while we work to develop Neutron our upcoming medium-lift reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites payloads and their components including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab were not just launching rockets were building the future of space. Our Space Systems team builds everything from complete spacecraft precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space like solar panels flight software star trackers optical systems separation systems radios and more.

Our Space Systems team has enabled more than 1700 missions ranging from interplanetary exploration in-space manufacturing to national security and defense initiatives. The team has built spacecraft payloads and components for missions to the Moon and Mars working with partners including NASA the Space Development Agency and the U.S. Space its a single high-performance spacecraft constellation or the vertically integrated components that help them get to space our world class Space Systems team is empowering some of the boldest and most ambitious space missions.

SENIOR SPACECRAFT THERMAL ENGINEER I

Based out of Rocket Labs global headquarters in Long Beach CA the Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I is responsible for overseeing the thermal design analysis testing and validation of Rocket Labs space vehicles. Youll be expected to perform thermal modeling and data analysis while working closely with the test and design engineers to capture the vehicles thermal performance and provide input for design improvements. You will support the Space Systems organization with deliverables required for internal leadership board of directors and investors.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

• 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

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree in aerospace mechanical engineering or other engineering degree
• 5 years of thermal engineering experience
• Experience with spacecraft or satellite development programs
• U.S. citizenship is required due to program requirements

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Masters 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

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting standing walking computer work and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise dust and fumes in production areas.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats not an easy task. It takes hard work determination relentless innovation teamwork grit and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each others backs checking our egos at the door and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure work to tight deadlines and our focus is always on how we can deliver rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder) or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab including recruiting hiring placement promotion termination layoff recall transfer leaves of absence compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia Japan New Zealand Switzerland the European Union or a country that is part of NATO or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations click here ITAR Regulations.