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
- 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 or mechanical engineering; or other engineering degree
- 2+ years of thermal engineering experience
- 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 thermal systems and passive thermal management techniques
- Familiarity using Siemens NX and Teamcenter, with emphasis on model interrogation and defeaturing for subsequent analyses
- Demonstrated experience with Thermal Desktop
- Experience with planning, execution, and data analysis of thermal balance tests
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Ability to work independently but also build strong working relationships with colleagues
- Experience with constant conductance and variable conductance heat pipes
- Experience working with multi-layer insulation: design, fabrication, installation, and test
- Experience with 0-D and 1-D thermal/fluid networks
- Familiarity with scripting languages such as Python and MATLAB
- Familiarity with thermal engineering tools such as NX Space Systems Thermal, ANSYS, SINDA, and THERMICA
- Knowledge of aspects of launch and on-orbit operations
- Familiarity with orbital mechanics and attitude dynamics related to thermal analysis
This 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.