Senior Thermal Analysis Engineer

Varda Space Industries

El Segundo (CA)

On-site

USD 140,333 - 179,314

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Flexible PTO policy

100% company-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with employer match

Job summary

Varda Space Industries in El Segundo, CA is seeking a Senior Thermal Analysis Engineer to join our dynamic vehicle engineering team. This role involves developing and maintaining thermal system architectures for our space vehicles, collaborating with various teams to ensure vehicle health and performance throughout mission phases.

Ideal candidates will have 3+ years of experience in thermal analysis, proficiency in tools like Thermal Desktop and SINDA/FLUINT, and a strong ability to communicate technical information effectively.

The role offers a base salary of $140,333–$179,314 per year, alongside generous benefits including medical insurance, flexible PTO, and workplace perks.

Qualifications

3+ years of experience in developing thermal control systems.
Experience anchoring thermal models to test/flight data.
Ability to plan and execute Thermal Vacuum Chamber testing.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain integrated thermal analysis models for space vehicles.
Collaborate cross-functionally to improve hardware and software systems.
Work independently with minimal technical oversight.

Skills

Thermal analysis

Thermal control systems

MATLAB

Communication skills

Education

B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related discipline

Master's degree in a related engineering discipline

Tools

Thermal Desktop

SINDA/FLUINT

Job description

About Varda

Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in‑orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules. Varda’s W‑Series vehicles are built, designed, and operated in‑house, including the pharmaceutical processing payloads, the capsules, the C‑PICA heat shields, and the satellite buses. From life‑saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind.

Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital. Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California and also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL. Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in‑space ecosystem.

About This Role

As the Senior Thermal Analysis Engineer, you will serve as a key member of the vehicle engineering team to develop and maintain thermal system architectures and collaborate cross‑functionally with hardware, production, software, and mission ops to ensure vehicle health and performance through all mission phases. Your work directly influences design and performance of Varda’s spacecraft and will often flex between quick evaluations and high‑fidelity analysis. You will also contribute to thermal modeling and data processing workflows to build more efficient and robust systems as we scale in vehicle cadence. A proactive problem‑solving approach and commitment to meeting tight schedules are critical to supporting Varda's goals of expanding in‑space manufacturing. We are in the mission of developing engineering systems for life‑changing products in microgravity for patients on Earth and looking for skilled and driven teammates to help us get there.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain integrated thermal analysis models for Varda’s space vehicles
Create and maintain tools/systems for model and flight data processing
Ensure spacecraft remains within operating and survival limits during all mission phases via passive and active thermal control
Collaborate with other spacecraft disciplines to drive hardware, software, and/or con‑ops improvements
Plan, execute, and anchor models to Thermal Vacuum (TVac) testing
Provide guidance to vehicle level testing, such as thermal bakeout, Vehicle‑In‑The‑Loop (VITL), propulsion hot fire, etc.
Work independently with minimal technical oversight
Mentor junior engineers and serve as a technical peer reviewer

Basic Qualifications

B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or a related discipline, with consideration given to equivalent professional experience (typically 3–6+ years)
3+ years of experience and knowledge in developing passive and active thermal control systems
Proficiency in detailed thermal analysis in Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT
Experience anchoring thermal models to test and/or flight data
Experience in planning and executing Thermal Vacuum Chamber (TVac) testing
Experience in MATLAB (or equivalent) for data processing and task automation
Familiarity with thermal margins and qualification test requirements in SMC‑S‑016
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an aptitude for interdisciplinary technical communication

Preferred Skills And Experience

Master's degree in a related engineering discipline and 3+ years of related professional experience
Experience of an entire spacecraft vehicle lifecycle, from initial concept, design development, production, integration, and test to mission operations
Experience in thermal design and analysis of reentry systems
A track record of taking ownership of projects and delivering results in a fast‑paced environment

Pay Range

Salary Range: Senior: $140,333–$179,314 per year
This role is on‑site in El Segundo, CA
Leveling and base salary is determined by job‑related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long‑term cash awards

Benefits

Health & Wellness
- Flexible PTO policy + 12 paid holidays
- 100% company‑paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans for employees and dependents with FSA and employer‑matched HSA options
- Voluntary accident, hospital, critical illness, and pet insurance
- $120/month wellness reimbursement for gym and fitness expenses
- 12 weeks of parental leave (with supplemental disability leave for CA mothers)
- Family building, pregnancy, parenting and menopause benefits via Maven Clinic
- Sponsored One Medical memberships for employees and their dependents
Financial & Retirement
- Substantial incentive equity in a fully funded space start‑up
- 401(k) retirement plan with 6% employer match (immediately vested)
- $20/pay period cell phone reimbursement
- Relocation support for new hires, if needed
Workplace Experience & Perks
- Fully stocked kitchen with lunch provided daily and dinner provided twice weekly
- Company and team‑bonding events, happy hours and mission‑success celebrations
- Complimentary EV charging

ITAR Requirements

Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export‑controlled items. Because our employees are provided access to export‑controlled items, our policy is to only hire “U.S. persons” who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license. “U.S. person” means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum).

E‑Verify Statement

Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E‑Verify program. The E‑Verify program is an Internet‑based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E‑Verify program.

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