Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer & Tech Lead

Viasat; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 142,000 - 224,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat is seeking a highly skilled Thermal Engineer to lead the thermal analysis and design of thermal control systems for next-generation satellite platforms. You will develop models and solutions to keep hardware within operating temperatures, collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, and program management.

You will mentor engineers, drive design reviews, and lead cross-functional efforts to deliver reliable, cost-effective thermal solutions for spaceflight applications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 10+ years of engineering experience in thermal modeling for spaceflight hardware.
• Proven experience leading thermal subsystem development for spacecraft.
• Experience with TVAC and thermal cycling testing.
• Strong written and verbal communication; cross-functional teamwork.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Develop thermal models and control solutions to maintain temperatures throughout the mission.
• Lead modeling for satellite structures, electronics packaging, and payloads.
• Own thermal control subsystem design from concept to production and on-orbit support.
• Perform detailed thermal analyses and environmental predictions for flight hardware.
• Drive design reviews and provide thermal recommendations to leadership.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Thermal modeling

Thermal analysis

Spacecraft thermal

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring

Communication skills

Thermal Desktop

ANSYS

CAD

TVAC/thermal cycling

Teamcenter

Windchill

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Thermal Desktop

ANSYS

CAD

Teamcenter

Windchill

Job description

Viasat is seeking a highly skilled Thermal Engineer to lead the thermal analysis and design of thermal control systems for next-generation satellite platforms. You will develop models and solutions to keep hardware within operating temperatures, collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, and program management.

You will mentor engineers, drive design reviews, and lead cross-functional efforts to deliver reliable, cost-effective thermal solutions for spaceflight applications.