Senior Thermal Design Engineer, Space Payloads

General Atomics; Acton (MA); On-site; USD 98,100 - 171,398; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA‑EMS) in Acton, MA is seeking a Mechanical Engineer focused on thermal design for optical space payloads. The ideal candidate has strong heat transfer expertise and hands‑on experience with the thermal design and analysis of spacecraft or space payloads, and with AI&T of hardware.

You will work in a multidisciplinary team to develop, analyze, and test thermal control solutions for optical payloads and satellite systems, lead key thermal tasks, and

Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor's, master's, or PhD in engineering with progressive experience (6+ years with a BS, 4+ with MS, or 2+ with PhD).
• Proficiency with thermal analysis tools such as SINDA/FLUINT and Thermal Desktop is highly desirable; other FA E tools are a plus.
• Significant experience with thermal design and analysis of space payloads or complex electro‑mechanical systems; EO/IR space payload experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of thermal management solutions for optical space payloads and satellite systems.
• Plan and perform thermal analysis, modeling, and simulation using SINDA/FLUINT and Thermal Desktop.
• Lead AI&T activities for payload thermal hardware, including test setup and data analysis.
• Develop and review thermal subsystem requirements, allocations, and test procedures; ensure traceability to system requirements.
• Plan and execute environmental test campaigns (e.g., TVAC, thermal cycling) and correlate models to test results.
• Prepare technical documentation for internal reviews and sponsor briefings.
• Identify and resolve design and performance issues in space vehicle thermal control subsystems.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

Skills

Thermal analysis

Heat transfer

Engineering leadership

Communication

Task prioritization

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering

PhD in engineering

Tools

SINDA/FLUINT

Thermal Desktop

CAD (SOLIDWORKS/CREO/NX)

Python/MATLAB/FORTRAN

Job description

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA‑EMS) in Acton, MA is seeking a Mechanical Engineer focused on thermal design for optical space payloads. The ideal candidate has strong heat transfer expertise and hands‑on experience with the thermal design and analysis of spacecraft or space payloads, and with AI&T of hardware.

You will work in a multidisciplinary team to develop, analyze, and test thermal control solutions for optical payloads and satellite systems, lead key thermal tasks, and