Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer — Lead Thermal Systems

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

Job summary

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory seeks an experienced spacecraft thermal engineer to lead design, analysis, and testing of advanced thermal control systems for spacecraft, payloads, and missions.

You will develop thermal models with Thermal Desktop, perform trade studies, support integration, and mentor junior engineers within a multidisciplinary team. Travel up to 10% and TS/SCI eligibility (U.S. citizenship) are required.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent.
• 10+ years in spacecraft or instrument thermal engineering.
• Strong foundation in heat transfer theory and proficiency using Thermal Desktop.
• Proven experience independently leading thermal engineering tasks or small technical teams.
• Willing and able to travel up to 10%.
• Eligible for TS/SCI clearance; U.S. citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead or contribute to spacecraft thermal control system design, analysis, and testing.
• Develop thermal models and analyses using Thermal Desktop.
• Support thermal testing, including test plans, data analysis, and model correlation.
• Assist with spacecraft integration, including procedure development and oversight.
• Conduct and communicate thermal design trade studies, and present results at reviews.
• Mentor early-career thermal engineers.

Skills

Heat transfer theory

Lead thermal tasks

Independent leadership

Education

BS in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

MS or PhD in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Thermal Desktop

FloCAD

TD Direct

Job description

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory seeks an experienced spacecraft thermal engineer to lead design, analysis, and testing of advanced thermal control systems for spacecraft, payloads, and missions.

You will develop thermal models with Thermal Desktop, perform trade studies, support integration, and mentor junior engineers within a multidisciplinary team. Travel up to 10% and TS/SCI eligibility (U.S. citizenship) are required.