Spacecraft Thermal Engineering Lead

Rocket Lab Rocket Lab is a vertically integrated provider of small launch services, satellites, and spacecraft components. Our mission is to open access to space to improve life on Earth. Our team is over 1,300 people strong and we’re adding to it every week. Collaboration is at our core – every idea is heard, and everyone makes a difference. Teams are nimble, decisions are made quickly, and we are action oriented. SPACE SYSTEMS This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in Rocket Lab’s evolution into an end-to-end space company that delivers launch, spacecraft, and on-orbit operations. The Space Systems Division is shaping Rocket Lab’s future with Photon, our brand of high-performance satellites, enabling innovative missions in low Earth orbit and beyond including missions for NASA to LEO, the Moon, and Mars and commercial customers, including leading the design and manufacture of 17 high-power telecommunication spacecraft buses for Globalstar. Rocket Lab is also growing our spacecraft components business, anchored on the acquisition of Sinclair Interplanetary manufacturing reaction wheels and star trackers in Toronto, SolAero Technologies manufacturing solar power and primary structure solutions in Albuquerque, Planetary Systems Corporation manufacturing launch separation systems in Silver Spring, and Advanced Solutions, Inc., provider of flight and ground software as a service in Denver. Our components business is key to vertically integrating our spacecraft solutions and enabling constellations for customers.   SPACECRAFT THERMAL ENGINEERING LEAD Based out of Rocket Lab’s global headquarters in Long Beach and as part of our Space Systems division, the Spacecraft Thermal Engineering Lead is a hands-on functional managing position that reports to the Space Vehicle Design Director. Your team will have 6-10 members, and you will need to guide and mentor them while working alongside them. You’ll also be expected to communicate your technical strategy to other teams and work cross-functionally on projects with almost every other engineering team. Our ideal candidate is someone with a strong spacecraft thermal background, who has previously led spacecraft thermal development programs. They would have expertise in designing, analyzing, and testing thermal systems at the component, subsystem, and spacecraft level. They will also have successfully led engineering teams through challenging projects. WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:   Manage the core thermal team and work with program managers and systems engineers to facilitate the development of spacecraft thermal design Lead, mentor, and train team of Spacecraft Thermal Engineers at all levels 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/disciplines as necessary Identify and research potential vendors of thermal control materials Conduct peer reviews of analyses YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS (Note: you must meet every qualification in order to be considered ): Bachelor’s or master’s degree in aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering; or other technical discipline 10+ years of thermal engineering experience 2+ years of experience as a team lead or manager Expertise with Thermal Desktop, TD Direct, or SpaceClaim Experience with planning, execution, and data analysis of thermal balance tests THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE: Previous management or leadership experience High proficiency in multiple areas of physics-based analysis and testing Comfort executing to aggressive deadlines within a high-pressure environment Effective communication skills, and the ability to build strong working relationships with colleagues and engineering professionals Strong background in heat transfer Experience with thermal systems and passive thermal management techniques Experience with constant conductance and variable conductance heat pipes Experience working with multi-layer insulation: design, fabrication, installation, and test Familiarity with orbital mechanics and attitude dynamics related to thermal analysis The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.  In addition to base salary, Rocket Lab offers a comprehensive total compensation offer package based on individual qualifications and experience, including company stock. Employees will also be eligible for medical, dental, vision coverage, 401(k) retirement plan options, and to purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab's Employee Stock Purchase Program. Pay Range (CA Only) $135,000 — $185,000 USD Important information: FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15) or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S Department of State. 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. 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.