Spacecraft Thermal Engineer (II/III)

Terranorbitalcorporation; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision

401(k) match

Flexible Time Off (FTO)

Education reimbursement

Competitive paid parental leave

Job summary

Terranorbitalcorporation is looking for an experienced Spacecraft Thermal Engineer (II/III) to enhance our team in Irvine, California. The role consists of managing thermal systems from design to operation while collaborating with various engineering teams.

This position requires adeptness in thermal modeling, experience in spacecraft engineering, and a good understanding of heat transfer principles. Candidates should be comfortable leading teams and contributing significantly in fast-paced environments.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in thermal engineering.
• Deep understanding of thermal design for spacecraft.
• Experience leading teams and mentoring junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Develop thermal models for spacecraft systems.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams to reduce thermal risks.
• Participate in spacecraft testing campaigns.

Skills

Thermal modeling

Project leadership

Understanding of heat transfer principles

Proficiency with Thermal Desktop

Oral presentation skills

Knowledge of orbital mechanics

Experience with CAD software

Proficiency in MATLAB or Python

Education

Bachelor's in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Master's in relevant field

Tools

Thermal Desktop

SolidWorks

Job description

Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Spacecraft Thermal Engineer (II/III) to join our growing team. Reporting to the Thermal Engineering Manager, the Spacecraft Thermal Engineer (II/III) will be involved in all aspects of a spacecraft's development, including thermal systems configuration from the concept level through design reviews, design verification, and operations. In addition to predictive and analytical work, the senior engineers may serve in team leadership roles or as subject area experts.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with a multidisciplinary team to reduce thermal risk by identifying the constraining elements of a thermal design and recommending mitigation strategies from the concept level to design, production, and operation.
• Work with spacecraft system engineers to translate spacecraft CONOPS (Concept of Operations) into representative thermal design scenarios.
• Develop thermal models of active and passive thermal designs using a mixture of numerical solutions and hand calculations of spacecraft systems, subsystems, avionics, and mechanisms that predict temperature margins in a variety of thermal space environments.
• Participate in spacecraft build and testing campaigns related to the thermal design aspect of the spacecraft, including periods of off‑hours or on‑call work.
• Develop thermal verification test plans, support test activities, monitor and correlate test results to model predictions.
• Prepare technical documents and PowerPoint presentations to present the results of analysis and tests to managers, customers, and/or stakeholders.
• Support business development activities, including proposals, white papers, and requests for information.
• Develop tools to support concept trade studies and post‑processing analysis.
• Other duties as applicable to thermal engineer may be assigned as necessary.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's in mechanical or aerospace engineering with a thermal focus or similar discipline.
• 2+ years of experience (Engineer – Level 2) in thermal engineering or similar disciplines related to spacecraft.
• 5+ years of experience (Senior Engineer – Level 3) in thermal engineering or similar disciplines related to spacecraft.
• Must have experience leading teams and mentoring entry‑level engineers.
• Proficiency with Thermal Desktop is a must.
• Must possess an understanding of the basic principles of radiation and conduction heat transfer in conjunction with space environment heating effects and parameters associated with spaceflight applications.
• Deep understanding of orbital mechanics and thermal design considerations with respect to MEO, LEO, GEO, and other orbits.
• Proven knowledge of spacecraft mission design and associated subsystems/architecture as relates to thermal design.
• Strong knowledge of spacecraft thermal design management and surface treatments.
• Experience with process development, as pertains to thermal analysis methods, testing methods or model correlation.
• Knowledge of environmental requirements, engineering, thermal vacuum/ambient pressure testing, and hands‑on engineering project experience, including use of data acquisition systems.
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, start‑up environment with a strong desire to be a leader/key contributor on a small team.
• Highly responsible team player with a positive attitude and excellent communication and documentation skills.
• Experience with SolidWorks or other CAD software.
• Experience developing detailed thermal and simplified thermal models for spacecraft systems, subsystems, and components.
• Proficiency with computational scripting languages (MATLAB, Python, Mathematica, etc.).
• U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain DoD security clearance.

Additional Differentiators

• Master of Science degree in Mechanical or Aerospace engineering with a thermal focus or similar discipline.
  • Master of Science degree substitutes for two years of experience.
  • Ph.D. degree substitutes for five years of experience.
• Experience with technical leadership responsibilities, such as serving on Risk Reduction teams or as Subject Area Expert.
• Ownership of technical issues with respect to Engineering Review Boards, NCRs and other engineering anomalies with the expectation of bringing resolution.
• Experience with build integration and testing of propulsion, thermal, electrical, and structural systems; including, but not limited to, vibration, shock, thermal, vacuum, and radiation testing.
• Experience in a production environment within the space/aerospace industry.

Salary Ranges

Spacecraft Thermal Engineer (Level II) – $100,000 to $130,000 USD

Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer (Level III) – $130,000 to $160,000 USD

Benefits

• 100% Company‑paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents.
• 401(k) Match.
• Flexible Time Off (FTO).
• Education Reimbursement.
• Competitive Paid Parental Leave.

Physical Demands

An employee must meet the physical demands described to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Performing the duties of this job requires sitting or standing for long durations, bending, reaching, walking, and lifting or moving objects up to 10 pounds, and occasionally lifting or moving objects up to 25 pounds. This position is generally sedentary, with substantial computer usage.

Work Environment

The job operates in a professional office environment but in a manufacturing company. This job routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and scanners.

Disclaimers

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. In addition, the position may require a current United States National Security clearance or eligibility for such a clearance.

Equal Opportunity / Affidavit of Non‑Discrimination

Terran Orbital is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.

Accommodation for Employees with Disabilities

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail].