Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I​/II Pipeline

Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I/II Pipeline

Join to apply for the Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I/II Pipeline role at Rocket Lab
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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 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 rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit. We are also developing 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 selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

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 and precision payloads to the components and subsystems that allow them to thrive in space, such as 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 to in‑space manufacturing and national security and defense initiatives. We work with partners including NASA, the Space Development Agency, and U.S. Space Force to build spacecraft and components for missions to the Moon and Mars.

We are currently seeking Spacecraft Thermal Engineers I/II for future opportunities for our thermal engineering team based out of Long Beach. This team supports our Space System division and leads cutting‑edge programs for civil, commercial, and defense customers. Spacecraft Thermal Engineers are responsible for overseeing the thermal design, analysis, testing, and validation of Rocket Lab’s space vehicles. They perform thermal modeling and data analysis while working closely with test and design engineers to capture the vehicle’s thermal performance and provide input for design improvements.

They support the Space Systems organization, with deliverables required for internal leadership, board of directors, and investors.

• 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 and disciplines as necessary
• Identify and research potential vendors of thermal control materials

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering degree
• Experience with thermal engineering
• U.S. citizenship required, due to program requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering degree
• 2+ years of thermal engineering experience
• U.S. citizenship required, due to program requirements

• 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
• Stron…