Thermal Control System (TCS) Design Engineer

K2Spacecorporation · Los Angeles, CA · Engineering

Posted 2026-07-21

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You will own the success of developing, implementing and testing both R&D and production thermal control systems on the spacecraft. You will be responsible for spearheading the design and verification efforts of active and passive thermal control systems including, but not limited to, pump fluid loops, heat pipes and all of the required ground supporting equipment (test fixtures, diagnostic equipment, instrumentation, software tools etc.). Your work will require familiarity with pressurized systems (valves, pumps, accumulators, heat exchangers), thermo-mechanical instrumentation (temperature sensors, pressure sensors, flow meters etc.), integrated electronics systems, and secondary satellite structures.

You will partner with design engineers early on in the process to ensure manufacturability while building the first prototype, design the build flow, and finalize the process for transition to production.

Responsibilities

Work with lead engineers to design active and passive thermal control systems using basic heat transfer and mechanical equations to size lines, pumps, accumulators, cold plates etc.

Planning and development of thermal cycle and thermal-vacuum testing campaigns

Design and development of heater and cooling systems including control architecture

Setup, commission, and maintain state-of-the-art test stands and instrumentation

Develop data acquisition systems for active and passive thermal control systems

Perform tests on novel pump fluid loop including feed systems, power electronics, and hardware-in-the-loop

Develop testing and control scripts to conduct safe and reliable test campaigns of pump fluid loop and individual components

Create formal documentation for development and production: test procedures, test reports, and standard operating procedures

Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical test setups and hardware

Document, compile, analyze, and present test data

Qualifications

3+ years of experience with thermal test experience in a high-rate manufacturing environment

2+ years of experience with sizing and testing fluid systems including pumps, valves, accumulators, heat exchanger, cold plates etc.

Demonstrated experience with data acquisition for thermal and power related applications

Experience with test plan development and execution

Strong experience with thermal and TVAC testing including setup, instrumentation, and troubleshooting

Demonstrated knowledge of NX or AutoCAD is preferred to design test fixtures

Nice to Have

Experience with basic and statistical data analysis

Experience with Thermal Desktop for thermal analysis

Experience with signal conditioning to define optimal acquisition rate and understand when signal-to-noise ratio is not acceptable

Experience with pumps testing

Experience with avionics testing

Experience with testing refrigeration systems

Compensation and Benefits:

Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $215,000 + 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

If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged! If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.

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