Thermal Engineer, Spacecraft Thermal Analysis & Design
Overview
The role owns thermal design and analysis for spacecraft and satellite programs at scale, collaborating with mechanical, electrical, systems, mission, and manufacturing teams. You will develop thermal control architectures and validate performance across concept through launch and on orbit operations. You will contribute to anomaly investigations, testing, and mission readiness in a fast paced aerospace environment.
What You'll Do10
- 1Build thermal models and analyses for spacecraft and payloads using Thermal Desktop and SINDA/FLUINT tools to predict temperatures and heat transfer
- 2Design active and passive thermal control systems including heaters, radiators, coatings, heat pipes, insulation, and interfaces to meet mission requirements
- 3Lead orbital thermal analyses, transient simulations, and thermal balance assessments to support design reviews (SRR PDR CDR TRR)
- 4Prepare and manage thermal requirements specifications and verification plans for hardware and tests
- 5Collaborate with structural, electrical, systems, and manufacturing teams to ensure thermal considerations are integrated into the design process
- 6Plan and execute TVAC thermal vacuum and environmental testing and analyze test data to validate models
- 7Support system architecture trades and thermal design optimization efforts to meet performance targets
- 8Assist in anomaly investigations and resolution during integration, testing, launch preparation, and mission operations
- 9Prepare technical reports, analyses, presentations, and customer deliverables
- 10Engage in post test reviews and provide data driven recommendations to improve thermal performance
Requirements10
- 1Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering Mechanical Engineering Physics or related field
- 23+ years of thermal engineering experience in aerospace spacecraft satellite or defense industries
- 3Experience developing thermal models and conducting analyses using Thermal Desktop SINDA/FLUINT ESATAN-TMS or equivalent
- 4Strong understanding of heat transfer including conduction convection and radiation
- 5Experience supporting environmental testing and thermal vacuum testing
- 6Ability to interpret engineering drawings specifications and requirements
- 7Strong analytical problem solving and communication skills
- 8Ability to obtain and maintain a U S Government security clearance if required
- 9Preferred qualifications include Master's degree in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering experience with spacecraft thermal control subsystem design familiarity with orbital environments and MBSE practices
- 10Active Secret or Top Secret clearance and experience with MATLAB or Python considered a plus
Salary Insight
$135 - $150k per year
Location
Required Skills
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