Senior Thermal Architect: Spaceborne Phased-Array Systems

Jobtailor; Colorado; On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor in Colorado is seeking an experienced Thermal Engineer to lead architecture for satellite-based phased array antennas, addressing active RF front ends and power electronics. You will develop detailed models, define verification plans, and coordinate with cross‑functional teams to meet reliability goals in space and on ground systems.

You will collaborate with RF, mechanical, and systems engineers to optimize thermal solutions, margins, and cost, while mentoring junior engineers and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, physics or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in thermal engineering for aerospace, RF systems, or high-performance electronics.
• Experience with spaceborne thermal design, including vacuum environments, radiation heat transfer, and flight hardware qualification.
• Strong understanding of phased array antenna systems and thermal challenges with dense T/R module integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead thermal architecture development for satellite-based phased array antennas, RF front ends, and power electronics.
• Design and optimize thermal solutions for ground-based phased array terminals under dynamic environmental conditions.
• Develop detailed thermal models using Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, or equivalent.
• Define and manage thermal interfaces across payload subsystems, radiators, heat pipes, and structural elements.
• Collaborate with RF, mechanical, and systems teams to integrate thermal constraints into layouts and packaging.
• Establish thermal requirements, margins, and verification plans aligned with reliability goals.
• Support hardware development including thermal testing, data correlation, and anomaly resolution.

Skills

Thermal Engineering Experience

Thermal Modeling Tools

Phased Array Antenna Systems

Spaceborne Thermal Design

Environmental Standards Knowledge

Thermal Analysis

Thermal Design

Transient Thermal Analysis

Steady-State Thermal Analysis

Thermal Interface Management

Heat Transfer

Thermal Testing

Anomaly Resolution

Thermal Requirements Definition

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, Physics or related field

Tools

Thermal Desktop

SINDA/FLUINT

ANSYS Icepak

Job description

Jobtailor in Colorado is seeking an experienced Thermal Engineer to lead architecture for satellite-based phased array antennas, addressing active RF front ends and power electronics. You will develop detailed models, define verification plans, and coordinate with cross‑functional teams to meet reliability goals in space and on ground systems.

You will collaborate with RF, mechanical, and systems engineers to optimize thermal solutions, margins, and cost, while mentoring junior engineers and