Senior/Principal Thermal Engineer

Openkrill; United States; Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

AscendArc in Beaverton, OR is seeking a Thermal Engineer to join the Mechanical Engineering team on the ground floor. You will develop and validate spacecraft thermal models, translate mission environments into design requirements, and support testing to ensure performance.

The ideal candidate has a BS or MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a thermal focus, 5+ years of thermal experience, and hands-on testing skills.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a thermal focus
• 5+ years in thermal analysis, preferably in spacecraft/aerospace
• Proficiency with industry-standard thermal modeling tools
• Strong understanding of thermal control systems and space environments

Responsibilities

• Lead global spacecraft thermal models and subsystem trade studies
• Define and implement thermal control system specs and test requirements
• Translate mission environments into thermal design requirements
• Support hardware qualification plans and test campaigns with analysis and data interpretation

Skills

Thermal engineering

Thermal modeling

Heat transfer

Instrumentation planning

Data analysis

Education

Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering degree

Tools

Ansys Thermal Desktop

Job description

Come join us in shaping the future! Get in on the ground floor as an early member of our Mechanical Engineering team as a Thermal Engineer developing a revolutionary satellite communications system. Connect the vision to the hardware, build it, test it and fly it.

AscendArc is a startup founded to revolutionize the satellite communications industry. We are looking for doers who want to work in a ground-breaking and fast-paced environment. Our success will depend on your energy, skill, and creativity.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of global spacecraft thermal models and subsystem trade studies.
• Define and implement thermal control system specifications and test requirements.
• Translate mission environments into thermal design requirements, balancing heritage systems with first-principles analysis.
• Influence hardware qualification plans and support test campaigns with analysis, instrumentation planning, and data interpretation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, with a focus in thermal sciences or related discipline
• 5+ years of experience in thermal analysis, preferably in spacecraft or aerospace applications
• Proficiency with industry-standard thermal modeling tools, Ansys Thermal Desktop preferred
• Strong understanding of thermal control systems, space environments, and heat transfer fundamentals
• Hands-on experience supporting thermal testing, including instrumentation planning and data analysis

Who We’re Looking For

We’re searching for exceptional talent at any career stage — from early-career engineers to senior and staff-level experts. Compensation will be adjusted accordingly. More than years of experience, we value high-caliber individuals with the drive and creativity to help launch Oregon’s first commercial communications satellite.

We’re looking for people who:

• Thrive in a cradle-to-grave design environment and take ownership from concept through launch.
• Bring energy, curiosity, and a responsible engineering mindset.
• Want to work alongside other exceptional people in an environment where great ideas rise to the top.

Hybrid Work

This position is based at our Beaverton office. We value the collaboration that comes from working together in person, while also supporting flexibility. Team members typically spend three days a week in the office and may work from home up to two days each week.

Base Salary

The base salary range for this position is $180,000 - $210,000/year. When determining an individual’s compensation, we consider several factors including skillset, experience, job scope, and current market data, so pay for this role may vary from the amounts listed.

Legal Eligibility to Work

Due to U.S. export control regulations, this position is only open to "U.S. persons." That means you must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or have refugee/asylee status. Unfortunately, we cannot consider applicants on temporary work visas (such as H-1B, TN, O-1, etc.) for this role.

Equal Employment Opportunity

AscendArc is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor or legally protected status.