Mechanical Engineer, Thermal Design

General Atomics; Acton (MA); On-site; USD 98,100 - 171,398; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA‑EMS) in Acton, MA is seeking a Mechanical Engineer focused on thermal design for optical space payloads. The ideal candidate has strong heat transfer expertise and hands‑on experience with the thermal design and analysis of spacecraft or space payloads, and with AI&T of hardware.

You will work in a multidisciplinary team to develop, analyze, and test thermal control solutions for optical payloads and satellite systems, lead key thermal tasks, and

Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor's, master's, or PhD in engineering with progressive experience (6+ years with a BS, 4+ with MS, or 2+ with PhD).
• Proficiency with thermal analysis tools such as SINDA/FLUINT and Thermal Desktop is highly desirable; other FA E tools are a plus.
• Significant experience with thermal design and analysis of space payloads or complex electro‑mechanical systems; EO/IR space payload experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of thermal management solutions for optical space payloads and satellite systems.
• Plan and perform thermal analysis, modeling, and simulation using SINDA/FLUINT and Thermal Desktop.
• Lead AI&T activities for payload thermal hardware, including test setup and data analysis.
• Develop and review thermal subsystem requirements, allocations, and test procedures; ensure traceability to system requirements.
• Plan and execute environmental test campaigns (e.g., TVAC, thermal cycling) and correlate models to test results.
• Prepare technical documentation for internal reviews and sponsor briefings.
• Identify and resolve design and performance issues in space vehicle thermal control subsystems.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

Skills

Thermal analysis

Heat transfer

Engineering leadership

Communication

Task prioritization

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering

PhD in engineering

Tools

SINDA/FLUINT

Thermal Desktop

CAD (SOLIDWORKS/CREO/NX)

Python/MATLAB/FORTRAN

Job description

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA‑EMS) designs and manufactures first‑of‑a‑kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA‑EMS’ expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.

Job Summary

We have an exciting opportunity in Acton, MA for a Mechanical Engineer with a focus on thermal design for optical space payloads. The ideal candidate has a strong background in heat transfer and thermal engineering and their application to space systems, direct experience in the thermal design and analysis of spacecraft or space payloads, and hands‑on experience with the assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) of hardware. This role is suited for an engineer with approximately 5‑7 years of experience who can operate independently and take technical ownership of portions of payload and spacecraft thermal subsystems.

The successful applicant will work as part of a multi‑disciplinary team to develop, analyze, and test thermal control solutions for optical payloads and satellite systems. You will collaborate with mechanical, systems, optical, electrical, manufacturing, and test engineers, lead key thermal tasks, and help drive best practices for thermal control of space systems across the program.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of thermal management solutions for optical space payloads, payload components, payload subassemblies, and orbital satellite systems.
• Plan and perform thermal analysis, modeling, and simulation (e.g., using SINDA/FLUINT and Thermal Desktop) to support design trades, requirements verification, and performance assessments.
• Lead elements of the assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) process for payload thermal hardware, including procedure development, test setup definition, execution oversight, and data analysis.
• Own the development and review of thermal subsystem requirements, allocations, design documentation, integration plans, and test procedures, and ensure traceability to system‑level requirements.
• Plan and execute environmental test campaigns (e.g., thermal vacuum, thermal cycling), including test planning, test readiness and execution, and correlation of models to test results.
• Prepare technical documentation, including analysis reports, design review materials, and test reports, for internal meetings and program milestone reviews. Present relevant materials to sponsors and other external organizations.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve design, workmanship, and performance issues related to space vehicle and payload thermal control subsystems.
• Maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows: six or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, four or more years with a masters degree, or two or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Proficiency with thermal analysis tools such as SINDA/FLUINT and Thermal Desktop is highly desirable; experience with other thermal or finite element tools is a plus.
• Significant experience with the thermal design and analysis of space payloads or other complex electro‑mechanical systems; direct EO/IR space payload experience performing STOP analysis is a plus.
• Hands‑on experience leading or owning the assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) of hardware, preferably including thermal control hardware (e.g., radiators, thermal straps, heaters, MLI, thermal interfaces).
• Familiarity with CAD tools (e.g., SOLIDWORKS, CREO, or NX) and basic scripting/programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or FORTRAN).
• Direct experience with thermal vacuum (TVAC), thermal cycling, or other environmental test programs, including test planning, execution, and data analysis; experience correlating thermal models to test data is strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to apply engineering principles and perform thermal calculations, including hand calculations to support and cross‑check numerical models.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly present technical information to audiences with varying technical backgrounds.
• Demonstrated ability to independently organize and prioritize tasks, lead technical work packages, and meet established deadlines or milestones in a team environment.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance. U.S. citizenship is required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Type: Full‑Time Salary

Salary range: 98,100 - 171,398