Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I

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 is the end-to-end space company building rockets, spacecraft, and critical subsystems that keep the world connected, protected, expand humanity’s reach to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. We move fast, build real hardware for meaningful missions, and make the impossible routine. Come shape the future with us.

SPACE SYSTEMS

At Rocket Lab, we’re not just launching rockets — we're 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 1,700 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 Force.Whether it’s 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 Lab’s 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 Lab’s space vehicles. You’ll be expected to perform thermal modeling and data analysis while working closely with the test and design engineers to capture the vehicle’s 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 YOU’LL 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

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s 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:

• Master’s or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering degree
• Strong background in heat transfer
• Experience with