Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer in , us

Energy Jobline ATTB; Us; Hybrid; EUR 116,000 - 161,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k matching

Floating holidays

Sick days

PTO

Job summary

A Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer is sought by Astro Digital to lead thermal analysis across spacecraft bus classes. You will build system- and unit-level Thermal Desktop models, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and present results with recommended thermal control fixes.

The role includes hands-on testing planning, and travel to our San Jose facilities as needed. Required are a BS/MS in thermal-related engineering, 5+ years in aerospace thermal roles, and proficiency with Thermal

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or closely related field.
• 5+ years of experience as a thermal engineer or thermal analyst in aerospace with Thermal Desktop.
• Deep understanding of thermal environments and effects.
• Proficiency building Thermal Desktop models for spacecraft and subsystems.
• Experience with thermal data post-processing in Excel or Python.
• Experience planning and executing TVAC/thermal cycling tests.
• Willingness to travel ~5 times/year to San Jose, CA office.

Responsibilities

• Build spacecraft system and unit level thermal models using Thermal Desktop.
• Collaborate with other disciplines to gather requirements for thermal analysis.
• Present results and recommend thermal control solutions (coatings, heaters, straps, sensors).
• Work with test engineers to design and execute TVAC tests.

Skills

Thermal analysis

Thermal modeling

Thermal testing

Communication

Self-motivated

Team collaboration

Education

BS in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

MS in Engineering (Thermal)

Tools

Thermal Desktop

SINDA/FLUINT

TD Direct meshing

Solidworks PDM

Onshape

Excel

Python

Job description

Astro Digital designs, builds, and operates a diverse range of small satellite systems supporting space-based turnkey missions for several business applications, including earth observation, communications, in-orbit demonstrations, risk reduction, science, and exploration. Astro Digital is headquartered in Santa Clara, California with roughly 100 employees and infrastructure around the globe.

Position Summary

The Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer is responsible for thermal analysis and thermal related support of all classes of Astro Digital bus.

• Building both spacecraft system level and unit level models as required using Thermal Desktop
• Working with other disciplines to gather requirements and inputs necessary to complete spacecraft thermal analysis
• Presenting results in an efficient manner, identifying if requirements are met and viable solutions if not – thermal coatings, interface materials, heaters, straps, sensors, etc.
• Working with test engineers to design and execute TVAC tests

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or closely related field
• 5+ years of experience as a thermal engineer or thermal analyst in the aerospace field using Thermal Desktop
• Possesses a deep understanding and intuition of thermal environments and effects
• Proficiency building Thermal Desktop models for analysis of spacecraft and subsystems
• Proficiency with performing thermal hand calcs/back of the envelop assessments
• Experience with thermal data post-processing (e.g., temperature data and heater power data) in Excel or Python
• Experience planning and executing thermal vacuum and thermal cycling testing
• Self-motivated work ethic with a desire to learn new aspects of thermal analysis and engineering
• Good written, verbal, and virtual communication skills
• Willingness to travel ~5 times/year to our San Jose, CA office and test facilities

Qualifications

• MS in engineering directly related to thermal analysis or thermal engineering
• Proficiency with SINDA/FLUINT and Thermal Desktop User Logic
• Experience with correlating thermal models to test data
• Familiarity interacting with version-controlled CAD systems such as Solidworks PDM and Onshape
• Proficiency analyzing electronic components at the board level using Thermal Desktop
• Experience meshing complex geometry using TD Direct or other meshing software for use in Thermal Desktop
• Experience with modeling and implementing advanced thermal control technologies (heat pipes, PCM, TECs, etc.)
• Familiarity with standards such as NASA-STD-7000 (GEVS)
• Familiarity with SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare requirements

This position requires access to export-controlled commodities, technical data, technology, software, and services. U.S. citizenship, U.S. legal permanent status, or protected person status under 22 CFR §120.15 and 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3) is required.

Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance options, 401k matching, 10 floating holidays, 5 sick days, and 3 weeks (15 days) of PTO per year.

Job Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $130k-180k annually depending on experience level

Location: Hybrid (minimum 2x in office weekly) in Littleton, CO with travel 2-3x / year to our San Jose, CA office and test facilities