Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer - Lead Thermal Design

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab; Laurel (MD); On-site; USD 105,000 - 290,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Education assistance

Sign-on bonus

Relocation benefits

Retirement contributions

Paid time off

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD is seeking an experienced spacecraft thermal engineer to lead or contribute to thermal control design for space missions. You will develop detailed models, perform analyses, and support testing while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

Minimum requirements include a BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and 10+ years of space- or instrument-thermal experience; MS/PhD is a plus.

Qualifications

• You meet our minimum qualifications: BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 10+ years of spacecraft/ instrument thermal engineering experience across development lifecycle.
• Proficiency in heat transfer theory and Thermal Desktop.
• Experience leading thermal engineering tasks or small teams.
• Willing to travel up to 10% of the time; eligible for TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead or contribute to spacecraft thermal control design, analysis, and testing.
• Develop thermal models and analyses using Thermal Desktop and related tools.
• Support thermal testing: test plans, data analysis, model correlation.
• Assist with spacecraft integration, including procedures and installation oversight.
• Conduct trade studies balancing performance, risk, cost, and schedule; present results at reviews.
• Mentor early-career thermal engineers.

Skills

Heat transfer theory

Thermal modeling

Thermal analysis

Team leadership

Travel readiness

Security clearance readiness

Education

BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

MS or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Thermal Desktop

FloCAD

TD Direct

Job description

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, MD is seeking an experienced spacecraft thermal engineer to lead or contribute to thermal control design for space missions. You will develop detailed models, perform analyses, and support testing while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

Minimum requirements include a BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering and 10+ years of space- or instrument-thermal experience; MS/PhD is a plus.