Full-Time

Thermo-Mechanical Engineer II

Mission Formulation

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Rocket Lab USA

Rocket Lab USA

1,001-5,000 employees

Provides launch services and spacecraft solutions

Robotics & Automation
Aerospace
Defense

Compensation Overview

$100k - $120kAnnually

Junior, Mid

No H1B Sponsorship

Littleton, CO, USA

Based out of Rocket Lab's global headquarters in Littleton, CO.

US Citizenship Required

Category
Mechanical Maintenance and Reliability Engineering
Thermal and Fluid Systems Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Required Skills
CAD
Python
MATLAB
Data Analysis
SolidWorks
Requirements
  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or other related technical discipline
  • 2+ years of experience in mechanical engineering
  • Experience with CAD software such as NX, Fibersim, Solidworks, CATIA, etc.
  • Experience using Thermal Desktop and/or ANSYS Workbench Thermal Analysis
  • Experience with engineering programming, scripting, and data analyses in languages such as Python, MATLAB, etc.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD US Government Secret security clearance
Responsibilities
  • Primary thermal/mechanical engineering contact to Business Development for proposal and mission concepts
  • Conduct thermo-mechanical design trade studies that balance performance margins, resource use, risk, cost, and schedule
  • Conduct detailed thermal modeling and analyses of launch vehicle and spacecraft hardware; especially for launch vehicle-to-payload interfaces
  • Work closely with design and systems engineers to define requirements, iterate through design concepts, and demonstrate overall system performance.
  • Analyze test and flight data to correlate models and improve model fidelity
  • Document analyses and designs including inputs, methods, and results as needed for presentation at design and test reviews and for hardware implementation
  • Liaise with Program, Engineering, and Customer teams on mechanical design, performance, and test issues and support other teams/disciplines as necessary
Desired Qualifications
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • Prior experience in product lifecycle, inclusive of detailed structural design, analysis, build, integration, and testing of aerospace structures
  • Experience with planning, execution, and data analysis of thermal and/or mechanical testing for launch or space mission applications
  • Proven experience developing full design solutions for mechanical systems in orbital launch vehicle or missile systems
  • Knowledge of key aspects of launch and on-orbit operations as they relate to thermal modeling and analyses
  • Experience performing finite element analysis (FEA)
  • Fundamental knowledge of structures strength, stability, and fatigue failure mechanisms
  • Experience with thermal control including passive and active thermal management techniques
  • Experience working on fast-paced design and development projects
  • Master’s or PhD in engineering (Aerospace/Mechanical/Mechatronics Engineering)

Rocket Lab provides comprehensive space solutions, including launch services, spacecraft components, and satellite management. Their main products are the Electron launch vehicle, which is designed for small satellite launches, and the Photon satellite platform, which supports various missions, including those for NASA. The Electron rocket has gained popularity, becoming the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket since its debut in 2018, successfully delivering over 100 satellites into orbit for various sectors. Rocket Lab differentiates itself from competitors by offering a streamlined approach to accessing space, with multiple launch sites and a focus on affordability and reliability. The company's goal is to make space more accessible and to support a wide range of missions, from national security to scientific exploration.

Company Stage

IPO

Total Funding

$713.3M

Headquarters

Long Beach, California

Founded

2006

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

-1%

2 year growth

-1%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Collaboration with Air Force Research Lab could lead to more defense contracts.
  • Operational efficiency shown by two launches in 24 hours from different hemispheres.
  • Investment by Pier 88 indicates strong investor confidence in Rocket Lab's growth.

What critics are saying

  • Increased competition from SpaceX as Rocket Lab develops the Neutron rocket.
  • Potential delays in Virginia launch site could impact schedules and revenue.
  • Reliance on New Zealand site poses risks from geopolitical tensions or natural disasters.

What makes Rocket Lab USA unique

  • Rocket Lab's Electron is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually.
  • Photon platform supports NASA missions to the Moon, Mars, and private Venus missions.
  • Neutron rocket development positions Rocket Lab as a competitor in heavy-lift launches.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Paid Parental Leave

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Flexible Spending Account

Company Equity

Wellness Program

Phone/Internet Stipend

Childcare Support

Gym Membership

Employee Discounts

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Professional Development Budget

Conference Attendance Budget

Flexible Work Hours

Hybrid Work Options