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

Compensation Overview

$105k - $130kAnnually

Mid

No H1B Sponsorship

Long Beach, CA, USA

Candidates must be U.S. citizens or lawful U.S. permanent residents.

US Citizenship Required

Category
Mechanical Maintenance and Reliability Engineering
Thermal and Fluid Systems Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Required Skills
CAD
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
  • 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
  • Experience with engineering programming, scripting, and data analyses in languages such as Python, MATLAB, etc
  • 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 rocket, 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 for its reliability, becoming the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket since its debut in 2018, successfully delivering over 100 satellites into orbit. Rocket Lab differentiates itself from competitors by offering a streamlined approach to accessing space, with multiple launch sites and a focus on affordability and efficiency. The company's goal is to make space more accessible for both private and public sector organizations, enabling advancements in areas like national security, scientific research, and climate monitoring.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

IPO

Total Funding

$713.3M

Headquarters

Long Beach, California

Founded

2006

Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Growing small satellite market aligns with Rocket Lab's launch services.
  • U.S. Department of Defense increasing investment in space technologies benefits Rocket Lab.
  • Global space economy projected to grow over $1 trillion by 2040.

What critics are saying

  • Technical challenges may delay Neutron rocket's sea-based landing platform.
  • Securities fraud lawsuit could result in financial penalties and reputational damage.
  • Increased competition from Flatellite model may pressure pricing and margins.

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 Moon, Mars, and private Venus mission.
  • Neutron rocket development focuses on reusable technology and sea-based landings.

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

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

0%

1 year growth

0%

2 year growth

0%
Space.com
Mar 9th, 2025
Rocket Lab unveils plan to land Neutron rockets at sea, 1st launch in 2025

Additionally, Rocket Lab has unveiled a plan to modify an offshore barge, which they've named "Return on Investment."

Investing.com
Mar 3rd, 2025
Rocket Lab aids in successful lunar mission

Rocket Lab, established in 2006, has a proven track record with its Electron launch vehicle and is developing the larger Neutron launch vehicle for constellation deployment.

3DPrint
Mar 3rd, 2025
"Return on Investment": Rocket Lab Unveils Sea-Based Landing Platform for Its 3D Printed Rockets

Rocket Lab has acquired the 400-foot barge from the New Orleans marine transportation firm Canal Barge Inc., and plans to have the platform operational in 2026.

Business Wire
Mar 3rd, 2025
RKLB INVESTOR NOTICE: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP Announces that Rocket Lab USA, Inc. Investors with Substantial Losses Have Opportunity to Lead Class Action Lawsuit

RKLB INVESTOR NOTICE: Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that Rocket Lab USA, Inc. investors with substantial losses have opportunity to lead Class Action lawsuit.

Cerebral Overload
Mar 2nd, 2025
Rocket Lab Announces Flatellite: A new Satellite Designed for Mass Manufacture and Tailored for Large Constellations

Rocket Lab USA, Inc (Nasdaq: RKLB) ("Rocket Lab" or "the Company"), a leading launch and space systems company, today introduced Flatellite, a new satellite that can be produced in high volumes and tailored for large constellations, targeting high value applications and national security missions.