Senior Thermal Systems Engineer – Spaceflight

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 214,000 - 267,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Flexible schedule

Parental leave

Rideshare program

Learning opportunities

Childcare assistance

Job summary

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA seeks a Thermal Systems Engineer to lead design, analysis, and testing of flight thermal control systems. You will oversee the lifecycle, manage risks, and collaborate with propulsion, materials, and systems teams on space missions.

The role requires a strong background in thermal engineering for spaceflight, cryogenics, and a proven track record leading cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment. Occasional domestic travel is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and substantial experience in thermal/cryogenics disciplines.
• Experience with spaceflight thermal subsystems and bus design.
• Ability to lead teams and coordinate cross-functional groups.

Responsibilities

• Oversee specification, implementation, and V&V of flight thermal systems.
• Monitor technical design, status and issues across development lifecycle.
• Plan and control resources, schedule, and risk in projects.
• Manage flight system thermal risks and deliverables.
• Provide thermal leadership within a team or management group.
• Coordinate interfaces between stakeholders for operable systems.
• Present work in reviews and lead design trades at system level.
• Represent thermal systems in system engineering discussions.

Skills

Problem solving

Multi-tasking

Collaboration/communication

Domestic travel willingness

Systems engineering

Cryogenics knowledge

Thermal subsystem experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering (thermal or cryogenics focus)

Master’s degree in similar discipline

PhD in similar discipline

Tools

Thermal Desktop

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

NX

Job description

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, CA seeks a Thermal Systems Engineer to lead design, analysis, and testing of flight thermal control systems. You will oversee the lifecycle, manage risks, and collaborate with propulsion, materials, and systems teams on space missions.

The role requires a strong background in thermal engineering for spaceflight, cryogenics, and a proven track record leading cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment. Occasional domestic travel is expected.