Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer - Design, Test, Analysis

Rocket Lab Corp.; Long Beach, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab Corp. in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I to oversee thermal design, analysis, testing, and validation of space vehicles. You will model thermal behavior and collaborate with test and design teams to drive design improvements.

This role supports the Space Systems organization and requires a strong background in heat transfer, spacecraft experience, and U.S. citizenship. Bachelor’s in aerospace or mechanical engineering; 5+ years in thermal engineering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering (or related engineering degree)
• 5+ years of thermal engineering experience
• Experience with spacecraft or satellite development programs

Responsibilities

• Complete thermal modeling and analysis of vehicles
• Conduct thermal design trade studies balancing performance, resources, risk, cost, and schedule
• Identify and resolve thermal design 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 program and engineering staff on thermal design/test matters and support other teams

Skills

Thermal engineering

Spacecraft development

Data analysis

Education

B.S. in aerospace/mechanical engineering

M.S./PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering

Job description

Rocket Lab Corp. in Long Beach, CA is seeking a Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I to oversee thermal design, analysis, testing, and validation of space vehicles. You will model thermal behavior and collaborate with test and design teams to drive design improvements.

This role supports the Space Systems organization and requires a strong background in heat transfer, spacecraft experience, and U.S. citizenship. Bachelor’s in aerospace or mechanical engineering; 5+ years in thermal engineering.