Senior Thermal Engineer

Socket.dev; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Time Off

Medical/Dental/Vision coverage

Gym memberships

401(k) company match

Job summary

Voyager Technologies’ Senior Thermal Engineer will lead the design, build, test, and operation of thermal control systems for spacecraft, including lunar landers and surface power systems, reporting to the Propulsion and Thermal Systems Manager in Pittsburgh.

This hybrid role requires 8+ years in spacecraft thermal systems (6+ with a Master’s) and proficiency in Thermal Desktop, Ansys, TVAC testing, and CAD.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or similar Engineering with 8+ years in spacecraft thermal systems, or a Master’s with 6+ years.
• Knowledge of spacecraft thermal system architecture, standards, and suppliers.
• Experience with heaters, sensors, radiators, MLI, coatings, heat pipes.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, integration, testing, and operation of spacecraft thermal control systems.
• Create conceptual and detailed designs for lunar landers and surface power systems.
• Build and run thermal models to guide mission operations and inform designs.
• Coordinate with program management and other subsystems on requirements and risks.
• Create integration instructions and support assembly in cleanroom.

Skills

Thermal system design

Thermal modeling

TVAC testing

Vendor management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace/Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Thermal Desktop

Ansys Thermal

Amesim

CAD SolidWorks

Job description

Voyager is an innovative space, defense, and national security technology company committed to advancing and delivering transformative, mission-critical solutions. We tackle the most complex challenges to unlock new frontiers for human progress, fortify national security, and protect critical assets to lead in the race for technological and operational superiority from ground to space.

Forge the Future: Join Voyager Technologies

The future belongs to those who build it. At Voyager Technologies, we’re building technologies that protect lives, expand frontiers and prepare us for what’s next. And we’re doing that with people who are wired to solve, build, adapt and lead. These roles are not for the faint of heart.

You’ll help lay the foundation for humanity's future. Join a culture where innovation thrives, curiosity is rewarded, and impact is real. We’re a company of doers, thinkers and builders, united by purpose and grounded in reality.

If you want to put your skills to work where the stakes are real and the mission is bigger than any one person, forge the future with Voyager.

The Senior Thermal Engineer for Voyager Lunar Systems is responsible for designing, building, testing, and operating thermal control systems for spacecraft including lunar landers and surface power systems.

The position reports to the Propulsion and Thermal Systems Manager within the Engineering Department in Pittsburgh, PA. This role is hybrid with regular on-site presence expected.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead and support the design, integration, testing, and operation of thermal control systems for spacecraft, lunar landers, lunar surface power, lunar rovers, and other space systems
• Create conceptual and detailed designs of spacecraft thermal systems accounting for orbital trajectories, mission concept-of-operations, lander architecture, and thermal control system function
• Build and run thermal models to guide spacecraft mission operations and inform the design of thermal control systems and related components
• Perform supplier management support including developing specifications for vendor supplied components, providing technical review of manufacturing processes, and assuring requirements are met via test and/or analysis
• Coordinate with program management, systems engineering, and other spacecraft subsystems to assess requirements, design progress, schedule, and risks
• Create integration instructions and provide support during spacecraft assembly in the cleanroom
• Write test plans and support TVAC (thermal vacuum chamber) testing for components, subsystems, and the entire spacecraft
• Write mission operations procedures and provide real time mission operations support

If your experience aligns with our basic qualifications and you are inspired by our mission, we’d like to connect.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or similar Engineering with 8 years of experience in spacecraft thermal systems, OR a Master’s Degree with 6 years of related experience
• Knowledge of spacecraft thermal system architecture, standards, best practices, components, and suppliers
• Experience designing or analyzing thermal control system components such as heaters, sensors, radiators, multi-layer insulation (MLI), coatings, heat pipes, and related hardware
• Experience with specification, vendor management, and requirements verification for thermal control system components
• Experience using fluid-thermal system design and analysis software (Thermal Desktop, Ansys Thermal, or Amesim preferred) to perform thermal control system trade studies
• Experience with TVAC (thermal vacuum chamber) testing of space hardware including test plans, test operations, and/or data processing and test reports
• Effective verbal and written communication, including reports and technical presentations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience designing, building, and testing active thermal control systems using pumped fluid loops is desired
• Proven capability to take a concept from initial idea to final product
• Proficient in CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and lifecycle management tools
• Systems engineering experience with the ability to navigate and coordinate complex interactions with other sub-systems to lead to the best overall mission

Travel, Physical, and/or Government Mandated Requirements:

• Travel: occasional, periodic with specified project need, with stays up to a week when on-site support is required
• Ability to lift, move or carry items or equipment up to 25 pounds
• ITAR access required

Voyager offers a highly competitive total compensation package designed to support the well-being, growth, and success of our employees. Employees benefit from a flexible and comprehensive rewards program that supports both professional and personal well-being.

• Flexible Time Off (FTO), empowering employees to take the time they need to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employees
• Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide, including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness, and more! No long-term contracts and FREE on-demand workout videos before you enroll
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 50% company match on contributions up to 8%, supporting long-term financial security
• Company wellness programs that support physical and mental well-being
• Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources
• The opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission-driven environment

Voyager is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Parts 120-130) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730-774), applicants for this position must be a U.S. Person: a US Citizen, a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or a protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3). Applicants must be eligible to obtain any required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran