Senior Thermal Analyst

Intuitive Machines; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive Machines in Houston seeks a Senior Thermal Analyst to lead thermal analyses of spacecraft and aerospace systems, and to design advanced thermal control solutions for mission success.

You will develop and refine thermal models, predict heat transfer across mission phases, and design radiators, heat pipes, and insulation to meet requirements. Collaboration with design, systems, and test teams is essential to deliver robust documentation and data-driven decisions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven experience in aerospace thermal analysis; experience with Thermal Desktop or similar tools preferred.
• Proficient in thermal modeling, simulation, and application of heat transfer principles.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed thermal analyses of spacecraft and aerospace systems using tools such as Thermal Desktop.
• Analyze and predict thermal behavior of components and systems across various mission phases.
• Develop and refine thermal models for spacecraft components, subsystems, and entire vehicles under varied space environments.
• Design and optimize thermal control systems (e.g., radiators, heat pipes, insulation) to meet mission-specific requirements.
• Plan and execute thermal testing campaigns (e.g., TVAC), analyze results, and correlate test data with thermal models.
• Collaborate with design, systems, and test engineering teams to integrate thermal strategies throughout the spacecraft lifecycle.
• Generate thermal documentation, including analysis reports, specifications, and test plans for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and best practices in aerospace thermal control and contribute to process improvements.

Skills

Aerospace thermal analysis

Thermal modeling

Analytical problem solving

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's/Master’s/Ph.D. in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Thermal Desktop

FEM

MATLAB

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Senior Thermal Analyst

Professional Houston, TX, US

Thermal Analysis Engineer

Houston, TX

About Intuitive Machines:

Intuitive Machines is an innovative and cutting-edge space company making cislunar space accessible to both public and private customers. Our mission is to further science and exploration, communications, and economic progress from the Earth to the Moon and beyond. With multiple NASA lunar missions in development and additional private missions on our manifest, we pride ourselves in supporting NASA, our customers, and the nation in paving the way to return humans to the surface of the Moon. Our world‑class team includes experts in all aspects of spacecraft subsystems design, development, and test, on‑orbit operations, and safety.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct detailed thermal analyses of spacecraft and aerospace systems using tools such as Thermal Desktop .
• Analyze and predict thermal behavior of components and systems across various mission phases.
• Develop and refine thermal models for spacecraft components, subsystems, and entire vehicles under varied space environments.
• Design andoptimizethermal control systems (e.g., radiators, heat pipes, insulation) to meet mission-specific requirements.
• Plan and execute thermal testing campaigns (e.g., TVAC), analyze results, and correlate test data with thermal models.
• Collaborate with design, systems, and test engineering teams to integrate thermal strategies throughout the spacecraft lifecycle.
• Generate thermal documentation, including analysis reports, specifications, and test plans for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and best practices in aerospace thermal control and contribute to process improvements.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering , Mechanical Engineering , or a related field.
• Proven experience in aerospace thermal analysis; experience with Thermal Desktop or similar tools preferred.
• Proficient in thermal modeling, simulation, and application of heat transfer principles.
• Familiarity with aerospace industry standards for thermal control systems and space environments.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to contribute to multidisciplinary projects.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with attention to detail.
• Flexible and adaptable to shifting project priorities and deadlines.

US EEO Statement:

Intuitive Machines is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.