Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I/II

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. Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I/IIBased out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I/II is responsible for overseeing the thermal design, analysis, testing, and validation of Rocket Lab's space vehicles.

Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I/IIBased out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I/II 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 vehiclesConduct thermal design trade studies that successfully balance performance margins, resource use, risk, cost, and scheduleIdentify and resolve thermal design, acceptance, and performance issues for space vehicle components and assembliesDesign and execute thermal tests for space vehicle components and assembliesPerform thermal model validation using test and in-flight dataLiaise with all levels of program and engineering staff on thermal design and test matters, and support other teams/disciplines as necessaryIdentify and research potential vendors of thermal control materialsQualifications You Bring As Thermal Engineer IBachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering degreeThermal engineering experienceU.S citizenship is required, due to program requirementsQualifications You'll Bring As A Thermal Engineer IIBachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering degree2+ years of Thermal engineering experience in the aerospace industry, as a thermal engineer or other hands-on engineering roleU.S citizenship is required, due to program requirementsThese Qualifications Would Be Nice To Have:Master's or PhD in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering degreeStrong background in heat transferExperience with thermal systems and passive thermal management techniquesFamiliarity using Siemens NX and Teamcenter, with emphasis on model interrogation and defeaturing for subsequent analysesDemonstrated experience with Thermal DesktopExperience with planning, execution, and data analysis of thermal balance testsStrong communication skills, both written and verbalAbility to work independently but also build strong working relationships with colleaguesExperience with constant conductance and variable conductance heat pipesExperience working with multi-layer insulation: design, fabrication, installation, and testExperience with 0-D and 1-D thermal/fluid networksFamiliarity with scripting languages such as Python and MATLABFamiliarity with thermal engineering tools such as NX Space Systems Thermal, ANSYS, SINDA, and THERMICAKnowledge of aspects of launch and on-orbit operationsFamiliarity with orbital mechanics and attitude dynamics related to thermal analysisThis 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.Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Join one of the world's fastest-growing space companies and own a piece of it. In addition to competitive pay, you'll receive company stock as part of your total compensation package, giving you a direct stake in our success. As we expand to new launch sites, groundbreaking missions, and global markets, your ownership has the opportunity to grow alongside the company. Our comprehensive benefits package includes our industry-leading Employee Stock Purchase Program (with a 15% discount on company stock), top-tier medical plans (HMO, PPO, and a zero cost HDHP option with a significant HSA company 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, and a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Additional perks include subsidized EV charging, onsite fitness centers (where available), discounted gym memberships, complimentary snacks and beverages, 50% employee discount on our popular merch store, and a variety of other employee discounts.Base Pay Range (CA Only)$82,000 - $126,000 USDWhat To ExpectWe're on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that's 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 other's 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 g.biow@rocketlabusa.com. 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.