Mechanical Engineer, Thermal Design

General Atomics; Acton (MA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) in Acton, MA seeks a Mechanical Engineer focused on thermal design for optical space payloads. Ideal candidates have heat transfer expertise and hands-on experience in space hardware assembly, integration, and test, with 2–5 years of experience.

You will work with a multidisciplinary team to develop, analyze and test thermal control for payloads and satellite systems, applying best practices and maturing designs for flight hardware, while

Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor's, master's or PhD in engineering, with progressive experience; 4+ years with bachelor's, 2+ years with master's.
• Experience with thermal analysis tools (SINDA/FLUINT, Thermal Desktop) is highly desirable; other tools are a plus.
• Experience with thermal design/analysis of space payloads or complex electro-mechanical systems; EO/IR payloads a plus.
• Hands-on AI&T experience with thermal hardware (radiators, thermal straps, heaters, MLI, interfaces).
• Familiarity with CAD tools and basic scripting (Python, MATLAB, FORTRAN).
• Exposure to TVAC, thermal cycling, environmental tests; ability to correlate models to test data.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to design and development of thermal management for optical payloads and satellite systems.
• Perform thermal analysis, modeling and simulation to support design trades and verification.
• Lead elements of AI&T for thermal hardware, including test setup, execution support and data analysis.
• Develop and review thermal subsystem requirements, allocations, design docs, integration plans and test procedures.
• Support environmental test campaigns, including planning, readiness and execution; correlate models to test results.
• Prepare technical docs, design reviews and test reports for program milestones.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

Skills

Heat transfer

Thermal design

SINDA/FLUINT

Thermal Desktop

CAD tools

Python/MATLAB/FORTRAN

TVAC / environmental test planning

Engineering calculations

Communication skills

DoD clearance eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering

PhD in engineering

Tools

SINDA/FLUINT

Thermal Desktop

SOLIDWORKS/CREO/NX

Python/MATLAB/FORTRAN

Job description

Job Summary

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

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.
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 well suited for an engineer with approximately 2–5 years of experience who is ready to take on increasing technical responsibility while working closely with experienced senior engineers.
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, learn and apply best practices for thermal control of space systems, and progressively assume responsibility for key portions of payload and spacecraft thermal subsystems.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design and development of thermal management solutions for optical space payloads, payload components, payload subassemblies, and orbital satellite systems.
• Perform thermal analysis, modeling, and simulation (e.g., using SINDA/FLUINT and Thermal Desktop) to support design trades, requirements verification, and performance assessments.
• Support and increasingly lead elements of the assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) process for payload thermal hardware, including procedure development, test setup, execution support, and data analysis.
• Participate in the development and review of thermal subsystem requirements, allocations, design documentation, integration plans, and test procedures.
• Support environmental test campaigns (e.g., thermal vacuum, thermal cycling), including 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.
• Maintain the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.

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

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; four or more years of experience with a bachelors degree or two or more years of experience with a masters degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Experience 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.
• Experience with the thermal design and analysis of space payloads, or other complex electro‑mechanical systems; direct EO/IR space payload experience is a plus.
• Hands‑on experience with 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)
• Exposure to thermal vacuum (TVAC), thermal cycling, or other environmental test programs, including test planning and data analysis; experience correlating thermal models to test data is a plus.
• Demonstrated 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.
• Ability to organize and prioritize tasks, work effectively in a team environment, and meet established deadlines or milestones.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance. U.S. citizenship is required.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary
Salary range: 81,080 - 141,650