Lead Thermal Modeling Engineer for Spacecraft

K2 Space; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Equity opportunity

Job summary

K2 Space is seeking an experienced thermal analyst to lead modeling and simulation for spacecraft across ground, launch, and on-orbit phases. You will partner with design engineers, set modeling standards, and guide a team of analysts who build and validate thermal models used by hardware engineers.

The role emphasizes end-to-end thermal analysis, data acquisition, and test correlation, with in-office collaboration at our Torrance, California headquarters.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with thermal test experience in a high-rate manufacturing environment.
• 3+ years of experience with sizing and testing fluid systems including pumps, valves, accumulators, heat exchangers, cold plates.
• 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.
• Knowledge of NX or AutoCAD for fixture design is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end orbital thermal models via Thermal Desktop for the spacecraft bus from initial architecture through flight.
• Design active and passive thermal control systems and size components like lines, pumps, accumulators, and cold plates.
• Lead steady-state and transient thermal analyses across worst-case mission envelopes and off-nominal cases.
• Lead trade studies on thermal control architecture and defend margins at design reviews.
• Correlate models with TVAC and test data; drive root-cause investigations when predictions diverge.
• Set modeling standards, mentor junior analysts, and develop test fixtures and control architectures.
• Develop heater/cooling systems, instrumentation, and data acquisition for test stands.
• Own analysis documentation and verification packages for customer reviews.

Skills

Thermal modeling

Thermal testing

Data acquisition

Analytical thinking

Team mentorship

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

NX or AutoCAD

Thermal Desktop

Job description

K2 Space is seeking an experienced thermal analyst to lead modeling and simulation for spacecraft across ground, launch, and on-orbit phases. You will partner with design engineers, set modeling standards, and guide a team of analysts who build and validate thermal models used by hardware engineers.

The role emphasizes end-to-end thermal analysis, data acquisition, and test correlation, with in-office collaboration at our Torrance, California headquarters.