Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

Viasat; Arizona; On-site; USD 142,000 - 224,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat is seeking a senior Thermal Engineer to lead thermal analysis, design, and production transition for next-generation satellite platforms. You will develop models, drive trade studies, and mentor junior engineers across engineering, manufacturing, and program management.

Responsibilities span from concept through qualification and on-orbit support, including TVAC testing, environmental predictions, and participation in engineering reviews. U.S. Citizenship required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• 10+ years of engineering experience with thermal models and spaceflight hardware.
• Experience leading thermal subsystem development and analysis for spacecraft or related aerospace systems.
• Strong understanding of thermal management, heat transfer, orbital environments, and environmental requirements for space applications.
• Experience with Thermal Desktop/ANSYS or equivalent, and CAD tools.
• Experience with TVAC and thermal cycling tests.
• Ability to independently solve complex thermal problems with limited direction.
• Strong written and verbal communication, including presenting data to management and customers.
• Experience in cross-functional product development teams.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Develop thermal models and control solutions to maintain spacecraft hardware within allowable operating temperatures.
• Lead thermal modeling, analysis, and development for satellite structures, mechanisms, electronics packaging, and payloads.
• Define problems, evaluate trade studies, and develop engineering solutions balancing performance, schedule, cost, and risk.
• Own thermal control subsystem design from concept to qualification, production, integration, and on-orbit support.
• Perform and direct detailed thermal analysis, environmental predictions, and orbital simulations to validate designs.
• Develop thermal engineering requirements, specifications, procedures, and qualification plans.
• Lead thermal hardware development, integration, TVAC testing, and anomaly resolution.
• Drive Design Reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR) and provide recommendations to leadership.
• Collaborate with systems, mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, reliability, and supply chain teams.

Skills

Thermal engineering

Spacecraft

Leadership

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Thermal Desktop

ANSYS

CAD

Job description

Viasat is seeking a senior Thermal Engineer to lead thermal analysis, design, and production transition for next-generation satellite platforms. You will develop models, drive trade studies, and mentor junior engineers across engineering, manufacturing, and program management.

Responsibilities span from concept through qualification and on-orbit support, including TVAC testing, environmental predictions, and participation in engineering reviews. U.S. Citizenship required.