Rocket Lab
Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I/II Pipeline
Join to apply for the
Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I/II Pipeline
role at
Rocket Lab .
About Rocket Lab 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.
Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I/II Pipeline 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.
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 and disciplines as necessary
Identify and research potential vendors of thermal control materials
Qualifications (Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I)
Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering degree
Experience with thermal engineering
U.S. citizenship required, due to program requirements
Qualifications (Spacecraft Thermal Engineer II)
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
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
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
Base Pay Range (CA Only) $80,000 – $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 – U.S. 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, or lawfully admitted in 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.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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.
Job Details Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Engineering and Information Technology
Industries: Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
Salary and Benefits 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, 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, and other discounts.
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Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I/II Pipeline
role at
Rocket Lab .
About Rocket Lab 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.
Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I/II Pipeline 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.
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 and disciplines as necessary
Identify and research potential vendors of thermal control materials
Qualifications (Spacecraft Thermal Engineer I)
Bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering; or other engineering degree
Experience with thermal engineering
U.S. citizenship required, due to program requirements
Qualifications (Spacecraft Thermal Engineer II)
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
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
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
Base Pay Range (CA Only) $80,000 – $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 – U.S. 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, or lawfully admitted in 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.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement 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.
Job Details Seniority level: Entry level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Engineering and Information Technology
Industries: Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
Salary and Benefits 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, 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, and other discounts.
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