Spacecraft Thermal Lead — On-Orbit Analysis & Ops

AST SpaceMobile; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

AST SpaceMobile is seeking a Senior Thermal Engineer to ensure thermal performance and integrity of its space-based communications system. The role focuses on on-orbit operations, analysis, and anomaly resolution within cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in spacecraft thermal engineering, knowledge of thermal modeling/tools, and basic programming skills. Travel domestically and internationally may be required as the program evolves.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a spacecraft thermal engineer or in a closely related role.
• Master’s degree or higher preferred.
• Basic programming experience (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar).

Responsibilities

• Lead on-orbit thermal support activities for spacecraft systems.
• Define thermal fault detection, isolation, and recovery (FDIR) limits and automated responses across configurations.
• Lead troubleshooting and anomaly resolution efforts in collaboration with the broader thermal engineering team.
• Support development of spacecraft concepts of operations (CONOPS) to ensure thermal safety during all mission phases.
• Establish and improve processes for monitoring and analyzing on-orbit thermal telemetry data.
• Serve as a liaison between thermal, flight operations, and software engineering teams.
• Perform thermal modeling and analysis using industry-standard tools.
• Support spacecraft and subsystem-level thermal testing activities.
• Contribute to ongoing improvements in thermal design, processes, and operational strategies.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Independent worker

Detail-oriented

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Thermal Desktop

Python

MATLAB

Job description

AST SpaceMobile is seeking a Senior Thermal Engineer to ensure thermal performance and integrity of its space-based communications system. The role focuses on on-orbit operations, analysis, and anomaly resolution within cross-functional teams.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in spacecraft thermal engineering, knowledge of thermal modeling/tools, and basic programming skills. Travel domestically and internationally may be required as the program evolves.