Space Thermal Engineer

General Atomics; Englewood (CO); On-site; USD 106,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) is seeking an Experienced Space Thermal Engineer for Englewood, CO. The role focuses on system engineering and thermal design for satellite missions, from bid generation through launch and operations, with a broad range of thermal technologies.

The position involves design work on heat pipes, phase-change materials, radiators, and cryogenic systems, plus test planning and documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, master's, or PhD in engineering or related technical discipline from an accredited institution.
• Nine+ years with a bachelor's, seven+ years with a master's, or four+ years with a PhD.

Responsibilities

• System engineering, technical design and analysis for studies and missions from bid generation through launch and operations with a thermal focus.
• Perform thermal subsystem design, requirement analysis and trade-offs.
• Design and specify heat pipes, phase-change materials, conduction bars, radiators, heaters, and cryogenic systems; support testing and ground equipment.
• Provide thermal test planning, predictions, testing, evaluation and correlation.

Skills

Thermal engineering

System engineering

Mission analysis

Heat transfer

Test planning

Documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree in engineering

PhD in engineering

Tools

Thermal Desktop

SINDA

FLUENT

Job description

Job Summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS’ expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.

Job Summary

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) designs and manufactures first-of-a-kind electromagnetic and electric power generation systems. GA-EMS’ expanding portfolio of specialized products and integrated system solutions support critical fleet, space systems and satellites, missile defense, power and energy, and process and monitoring applications for defense, industrial, and commercial customers worldwide.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Experienced Space Thermal Engineer to join our team located in Englewood, CO. With limited direction, this position exercises considerable latitude in determining technical objectives for the review, research, design, development, and/or solution to advanced technical engineering problems).

Evaluates the integration of the engineering solutions within the overall engineering environment; and ensures that appropriate documentation, testing and engineering updates completed. Communicates with engineering professionals, solution users, and management throughout the development cycle, represents the company as a prime technical contact on contracts and/or projects, interacts with senior external personnel on technical matters requiring coordination between the organizations, and participates in the development of new or expansion of existing business.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• System engineering, technical design and analysis for studies and missions from bid generation, through to launch and operations, with a thermal system focus.
• Perform thermal subsystem level design, including requirement analysis, mission analysis, and design trade-offs.
• Design, specification for heat pipes, phase-change material systems, conduction bars, radiators, heaters, and cryogenic systems as well as test and ground support equipment.
• Provide thermal test support including planning, writing test plans, predictions, testing, evaluation and correlation.
• Responsible for authoring, review and release of various thermal CDRLs, reports and trade study documents.
• Support the wider team in mission and operational concept development for satellite missions.
• Liaise with all levels of program and engineering staff on thermal design and test matters and support other teams / disciplines as necessary.
• Represents the organization as a prime technical contact within the engineering team for assigned project(s)/program(s) and with supplier or customer meetings and presentations.
• May function in an advisory or leadership role for a project/program and provide direction and guidance to less experienced professional staff or team of professional staff.
• Formulates plans and guides the development and implementation of engineering solution(s) including deployment, resource requirements, testing, documentation, integration and compliance and safety.
• We offer a 9x80 work schedule where you will have every other Friday off.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; nine or more years of experience with a bachelors degree, seven or more years of experience with a masters degree, or four or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
• Familiarity with all aspects of the satellite system life cycle, including environmental test, launch, commissioning and operations.
• Experience with TVAC and thermal balance testing, instrumentation, model tuning, test plans and procedures.
• Experience with thermal analysis of satellites and related materials including interface resistances, coatings, radiators and solar panels.
• Understanding of orbit mechanics and the impact of different orbits on satellite thermal design.
• Experience with thermal analysis and software tools such as Thermal Desktop, SINDA and FLUENT
• Familiarity with passive and active thermal management techniques.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately and organize work assignments to meet established timetables.
• Strong communication (written and verbal), computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required, as well as the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Previous experience and exposure to opto-mechanics, imaging and directed energy systems is beneficial.
• Must be customer focused and able to work on a self-initiated basis or in a team environment and able to work extended hours and travel as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance is required, active security clearance desired.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 105,890 - 189,545