Principal Thermal Design Engineer
You will be a core driver of the detailed thermal design of spacecraft subsystems by running thermal analysis at both the component and spacecraft level. You will also be involved in exploring different thermal management strategies and demonstrating them through test campaigns. Our ideal candidate has experience with in-orbit integrated thermal analysis of spacecraft components using both first principles as well analytical models using software tools (such as Thermal Desktop, Ansys IcePak, and Python for automation purposes). Hands-on experience with thermal testing for spacecraft components such as thermal cycling and TVAC is highly preferred.
Responsibilities
Collaborate with Mechanical teams to develop passive and active thermal control hardware for the spacecraft including radiators, heaters, heat pipes, and surface coating
Partner with Avionics teams to develop thermal models and thermal tests for electronic assemblies
Work with the GNC teams to define and thermally analyze nominal and contingency cases for in-orbit operations of the spacecraft
Develop and maintain thermal models for spacecraft and sub-components using Thermal Desktop and Ansys
Interface with vendors and launcher providers to understand their design and translate it into thermal-related requirements
Automate data analysis to support architectural trades effectively
Set up and execute thermal testing ranging from development to qualification
Qualifications
8+ years of experience with satellite thermal design and analysis
Demonstrated experience with radiative and conductive thermal modeling of spacecraft systems using Thermal Desktop
Experience with selection, sizing, and design of thermal control hardware including heat pipes, heaters, stickers, OSR, thermal straps, thermal paints, tapes, MLI, TEC
Experience with thermal cycling and thermal vacuum testing including predictions, setup, instrumentation and thermal model correlation
Nice to Have
Experience with full-vehicle thermal vacuum testing and model correlation
Experience with spacecraft thermal design optimized for cost, reliability, performance and manufacturability
Experience with integrated thermal analysis of spacecraft and rocket
Experience with solar panel thermal modeling
Experience with electrical PCBA thermal modeling and thermal interface materials (thermal grease, gap pads, etc.)
Experience with spacecraft primary radiator design and analysis
Familiarity with SMC-S016 standard or equivalent
Experience with Python, C/C++, or Matlab for thermal modeling and automated data analysis
Compensation and Benefits:
Base salary range for this role is $175,000 - $295,000 + equity in the company
Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision/ coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks