Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

ViaSat Inc.; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 142,000 - 264,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat is seeking a highly experienced Thermal Engineer to lead the thermal analysis, design, and qualification of spacecraft thermal control systems for next-gen satellites. You will develop models and control solutions to keep hardware within operating temperatures through the mission, collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, and program management.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in spacecraft thermal analysis, can mentor junior engineers, and influence technical direction

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of engineering experience developing thermal models and spaceflight hardware.
• Experience leading thermal subsystem development and analysis for spacecraft or related systems.
• Strong knowledge of thermal management, heat transfer, orbital environments, and environmental requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop thermal models and control solutions to maintain spacecraft hardware within allowable operating temperatures.
• Lead thermal modeling, analysis, and development for satellite structures, electronics packaging, and payload systems.
• Define problems, evaluate trade studies, and develop solutions balancing performance, schedule, cost, and risk.
• Own thermal subsystem design from concept through qualification, production, and on-orbit support.
• Perform detailed thermal analysis, environmental predictions, and orbital simulations to validate designs.
• Drive design reviews and provide thermal recommendations to program leadership.

Skills

Thermal modeling

Spacecraft thermal analysis

Thermal Desktop

ANSYS

Cross-functional teamwork

Engineering mentorship

Strong communication

US Citizenship

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Teamcenter

Windchill

CAD software

Thermal testing equipment

Job description

Viasat is seeking a highly experienced Thermal Engineer to lead the thermal analysis, design, and qualification of spacecraft thermal control systems for next-gen satellites. You will develop models and control solutions to keep hardware within operating temperatures through the mission, collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, and program management.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in spacecraft thermal analysis, can mentor junior engineers, and influence technical direction