Rocket Lab Corporation
Spacecraft Thermal Engineer II - Secret Clearance
About this role
Rocket Lab seeks a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer II to lead thermal design, analysis, testing, and validation for advanced space vehicles. You'll perform thermal modeling, conduct design trade studies, resolve thermal issues, and collaborate across engineering teams while supporting high-stakes missions for NASA, Space Force, and commercial partners.
What you'll do
- Develop comprehensive thermal models and perform analysis on spacecraft and vehicle systems
- Conduct thermal design trade studies balancing performance, resources, risk, cost, and schedule
- Identify and resolve thermal design and performance issues for space vehicle components
- Design and execute thermal testing for components and assemblies
- Validate thermal models using test data and in-flight performance
- Collaborate with program and engineering staff on thermal design and vendor evaluation
What they're looking for
- Thermal modeling and analysis
- Heat transfer fundamentals
- Thermal Desktop software
- Siemens NX and Teamcenter CAD/PLM
- Thermal balance test planning and execution
- Python or MATLAB scripting
- Passive thermal management design
- Heat pipe and multi-layer insulation experience
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Rocket Lab Corporation
Rocket Lab builds spacecraft and satellites that it launches on its own rockets, developing the avionics, flight software, and ground systems needed to operate these vehicles in orbit. The company is hiring software engineers, test automation specialists, and spacecraft operations engineers to develop embedded flight software, design testing systems, and manage satellite fleet health across commercial and government missions.
View all jobs at Rocket Lab CorporationLikely interview questions
- Walk us through your most complex thermal analysis project—what were the key challenges and how did you validate your model?
- Describe your experience with thermal testing: how have you used test data to refine or update thermal models?