Spacecraft Thermal Engineer II

Rocket Lab Corporation; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Rocket Lab is seeking a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer II based in Long Beach, CA. You will oversee the thermal design, analysis, testing, and validation of Rocket Lab’s space vehicles, performing thermal modeling and data analysis in collaboration with test and design engineers to capture thermal performance and suggest design improvements.

You\'ll support the Space Systems organization with deliverables for internal leadership, the board, and investors.

Qualifications

• Experience in thermal design for space vehicles.
• Proficiency in thermal modeling and data analysis.
• Experience designing/performing thermal tests and validations.

Responsibilities

• Complete thermal modeling and analysis of vehicles.
• Conduct thermal design trade studies balancing performance margins, resource use, risk, cost, and schedule.
• Identify and resolve thermal design issues for space vehicle components and assemblies.
• Design and execute thermal tests for space vehicle components and assemblies.

Skills

Thermal modeling

Thermal analysis

Test execution

Spacecraft systems

Job description

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, 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.

SPACECRAFT THERMAL ENGINEER II

Based out of Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, we're looking for a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer II. You'll be 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