Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer - On-Orbit & Anomaly Lead

AST SpaceMobile; Lanham (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile is pursuing a Senior Thermal Engineer to ensure the thermal performance of a space-based communications system. The role emphasizes on-orbit operations, analysis, and anomaly resolution, requiring independent work and strong cross-functional collaboration.

You will lead FD I R limits, perform thermal modeling with industry tools, and contribute to CONOPS development, testing, and continuous process improvements in a fast-paced, high-visibility program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a spacecraft thermal engineer or closely related role.
• Master’s degree preferred; strong Python/MATLAB scripting is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead on-orbit thermal support activities for spacecraft systems.
• Define FD I R limits and automated responses across configurations.
• Lead troubleshooting and anomaly resolution with the thermal team.
• Support CONOPS development to ensure thermal safety across mission phases.
• Establish and improve monitoring/analysis of on-orbit thermal telemetry.
• Serve as liaison between thermal, flight ops, and software teams.
• Perform thermal modeling and analysis using industry tools.
• Support spacecraft and subsystem thermal testing activities.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Excellent written and verbal skills

Independent and ownership mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Thermal Desktop

Python

MATLAB

Telemetry systems

Job description

AST SpaceMobile is pursuing a Senior Thermal Engineer to ensure the thermal performance of a space-based communications system. The role emphasizes on-orbit operations, analysis, and anomaly resolution, requiring independent work and strong cross-functional collaboration.

You will lead FD I R limits, perform thermal modeling with industry tools, and contribute to CONOPS development, testing, and continuous process improvements in a fast-paced, high-visibility program.