Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer – Hybrid, TS/SCI

Darwin Recruitment; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 102,000 - 183,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Relocation lump-sum bonus

Job summary

Darwin Recruitment, Los Angeles area, California, is seeking a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer to lead thermal design and analysis across boards, components and subsystems for a small satellite program. The role offers broad exposure and cross-training opportunities within a dynamic aerospace team.

You will develop and apply thermal models, support testing, and brief results to managers and sponsors. Level 3/4 roles require independent work and potential relocation considerations in a hybrid setup.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of thermal experience in spacecraft
• Strong Thermal Desktop with SINDA/FLUINT
• Background in radiative heat transfer; rocket space experience preferred
• BSc in mechanical/aerospace/materials engineering

Responsibilities

• Perform spacecraft thermal design and analysis at board, component, subsystem and system level
• Develop thermal models to predict loads, impacts and temperature margins
• Brief design and analysis results to programme managers, customers and sponsors
• Identify materials, processes and facilities needed for a qualified spacecraft thermal design
• Support thermal verification testing on spacecraft systems and components, including test design, conduct, data reduction, analysis and reporting
• Develop tools for conceptual design and post processing analysis
• Contribute to proposals and new business development
• Cross train with the MLI team on blanket design, fabrication and installation

Skills

Thermal design

Thermal analysis

Thermal Desktop

SINDA/FLUINT

Radiative heat transfer

Education

BSc in engineering

Tools

Thermal Desktop

SINDA/FLUINT

ANSYS

Thermica

Job description

Darwin Recruitment, Los Angeles area, California, is seeking a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer to lead thermal design and analysis across boards, components and subsystems for a small satellite program. The role offers broad exposure and cross-training opportunities within a dynamic aerospace team.

You will develop and apply thermal models, support testing, and brief results to managers and sponsors. Level 3/4 roles require independent work and potential relocation considerations in a hybrid setup.