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Rocket Lab USA

Thermal Engineer I/II - Mission Formulation

Rocket Lab USA, Long Beach, California, us, 90899


ABOUT ROCKET LABRocket 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 FORMULATIONBased out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the

Thermal Engineer I/II - Mission Formulation

is 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 interfacesConduct thermal design trade studies that balance performance margins, resource use, risk, cost, and scheduleWork closely with design and systems engineers to define requirements, iterate through design concepts, and demonstrate overall system performanceDefine and execute thermal testing as needed to validate designs and performance vs. requirementsAnalyze test and flight data to correlate models and improve model fidelityDocument analyses and designs including inputs, methods, and results as needed for presentation at design and test reviews and for hardware implementationLiaise with Program, Engineering, and Customer teams on thermal design, performance, and test issues and support other teams/disciplines as necessaryQUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS THERMAL ENGINEER I:Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or other related technical disciplineExperience with thermal engineeringStrong background in heat transfer and analyses including 0-D and 1-D thermal/fluid networksExperience with CAD software such as NX (preferred), Fibersim, Solidworks, CATIA, or similarExperience with engineering programming, scripting, and data analyses in Python or MATLABAbility to obtain and maintain a DoD US Government Secret security clearanceQUALIFICATIONS YOU'LL BRING AS THERMAL ENGINEER II:Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or other related technical discipline2+ years of thermal engineering experienceExperience using Thermal Desktop and/or ANSYS Workbench Thermal AnalysisExperience with CAD software such as NX (preferred), Fibersim, Solidworks, CATIA, or similarExperience with engineering programming, scripting, and data analyses in Python or MATLABAbility to obtain and maintain a DoD US Government Secret security clearanceTHESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:Active TS/SCI clearanceAdvanced degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or other related technical disciplinePrior experience with design and analysis of launch vehicle or spacecraft hardwareExperience using CAD software with a focus on model defeaturing for subsequent analysisFamiliarity with thermal engineering analysis tools including ANSYS, SINDA, THERMICA, and NX Space Systems ThermalExperience with thermal control including passive and active thermal management techniquesKnowledge of key aspects of launch and on-orbit operations as they relate to thermal modeling and analysesExperience with planning, execution, and data analysis of thermal testing for launch or space mission applicationsCreative, analytical, and good at problem solvingAbility to work on own initiative and to plan daily workflow to complete higher level tasksStrong communication skills, with the ability to build strong working relationshipsExperience working on fast-paced design and development projectsADDITIONAL 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.WHAT TO EXPECTWe'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.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.

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