Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I Verified today
About Rocket Lab
Rocket Lab is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, and expand humanity's reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
The Role
Based in Long Beach, CA, you will oversee the thermal design, analysis, testing, and validation of Rocket Lab's space vehicles. You'll perform thermal modeling and data analysis while working closely with test and design engineers to capture vehicle thermal performance and provide input for design improvements. You will support the Space Systems organization with deliverables for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.
What You'll Do
- Complete thermal modeling and analysis of vehicles
- Conduct thermal design trade studies that 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
- Identify and research potential vendors of thermal control materials
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or other engineering discipline
- Thermal engineering experience
- U.S. citizenship (required due to program requirements and ITAR regulations)
Nice to Have
- Master's or PhD in aerospace, mechanical, or other engineering discipline
- Strong background in heat transfer
- Experience with thermal systems and passive thermal management techniques
- Siemens NX and Teamcenter experience, with emphasis on model interrogation and defeaturing
- Thermal Desktop experience
- Experience planning, executing, and analyzing thermal balance tests
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and build strong working relationships
- Experience with constant conductance and variable conductance heat pipes
- Multi-layer insulation design, fabrication, installation, and test experience
- 0-D and 1-D thermal/fluid network experience
- Python and MATLAB scripting familiarity
- Familiarity with NX Space Systems Thermal, ANSYS, SINDA, and THERMICA
- Knowledge of launch and on-orbit operations
- Orbital mechanics and attitude dynamics understanding related to thermal analysis
Compensation
Base Salary: $83,200 - $114,400 USD
Total Compensation (base and equity): $90,150 - $126,425 USD
You will receive company stock as part of your total compensation package. Additional benefits include an Employee Stock Purchase Program with 15% discount, medical plans (HMO, PPO, zero-cost HDHP with HSA contribution), dental and vision coverage, paid vacation and sick time, 11 paid holidays, flexible spending and dependent care accounts, paid parental leave, disability and life insurance, 401(k) with company match, subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers, discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on merch store, and other employee discounts.
Working Conditions
This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and computer work, with occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.