Job Description

About The Role

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. 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 rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.  

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

THERMAL ENGINEER I/II – MISSION FORMULATION

Based out of Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Thermal Engineer I/II - Mission Formulationis responsible for thermal design, modeling, analysis, testing, and validation of launch vehicle flight hardware and related support equipment for current and prospective Rocket Lab launches and missions. 

The Thermal Engineer I/II is an integral part of Rocket Lab’s Global Launch Services (GLS) Mission Formulation Team which works closely with other Engineering teams and Production to bring new launch and mission concepts to life. This team is also responsible for the formulation and implementation of classified missions on HASTE and Electron launch vehicles. 

(Please note: This position can be hired at the Thermal Engineer I or Thermal Engineer II level.)

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Conduct detailed thermal modeling and analyses of launch vehicle and spacecraft hardware; especially for launch vehicle-to-payload interfaces 
• Conduct thermal design trade studies that balance performance margins, resource use, risk, cost, and schedule 
• Work closely with design and systems engineers to define requirements, iterate through design concepts, and demonstrate overall system performance 
• Define and execute thermal testing as needed to validate designs and performance vs. requirements 
• Analyze test and flight data to correlate models and improve model fidelity 
• Document analyses and designs including inputs, methods, and results as needed for presentation at design and test reviews and for hardware implementation 
• Liaise with Program, Engineering, and Customer teams on thermal design, performance, and test issues and support other teams/disciplines as necessary 

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS THERMAL ENGINEER I:  

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or other related technical discipline 
• Experience with thermal engineering 
• Strong background in heat transfer and analyses including 0-D and 1-D thermal/fluid networks 
• Experience with CAD software such as NX (preferred), Fibersim, Solidworks, CATIA, or similar 
• Experience with engineering programming, scripting, and data analyses in Python or MATLAB 
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD US Government Secret security clearance

QUALIFICATIONS YOU’LL BRING AS THERMAL ENGINEER II:  

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or other related technical discipline
• 2+ years of thermal engineering experience
• Experience using Thermal Desktop and/or ANSYS Workbench Thermal Analysis
• Experience with CAD software such as NX (preferred), Fibersim, Solidworks, CATIA, or similar
• Experience with engineering programming, scripting, and data analyses in Python or MATLAB 
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD US Government Secret security clearance

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:  

• Active TS/SCI clearance 
• Advanced degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or other related technical discipline 
• Prior experience with design and analysis of launch vehicle or spacecraft hardware 
• Experience using CAD software with a focus on model defeaturing for subsequent analysis 
• Familiarity with thermal engineering analysis tools including ANSYS, SINDA, THERMICA, and NX Space Systems Thermal 
• Experience with thermal control including passive and active thermal management techniques 
• Knowledge of key aspects of launch and on-orbit operations as they relate to thermal modeling and analyses 
• Experience with planning, execution, and data analysis of thermal testing for launch or space mission applications 
• Creative, analytical, and good at problem solving 
• Ability to work on own initiative and to plan daily workflow to complete higher level tasks 
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationships 
• Experience working on fast-paced design and development projects

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.   
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.  
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings 
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise. 

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.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab.  Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, childcare concierge, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$85,000—$130,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT 

We’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 Biow 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.

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