Staff Mechanical Engineer, Thermal

Viasat; Tempe (AZ); On-site; USD 142,000 - 264,000; Full time

Job summary

Viasat is seeking a highly experienced Thermal Engineer to lead the thermal analysis, design, and qualification of spacecraft thermal control systems for next-gen satellites. You will develop models and control solutions to keep hardware within operating temperatures through the mission, collaborating across engineering, manufacturing, and program management.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in spacecraft thermal analysis, can mentor junior engineers, and influence technical direction

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of engineering experience developing thermal models and spaceflight hardware.
• Experience leading thermal subsystem development and analysis for spacecraft or related systems.
• Strong knowledge of thermal management, heat transfer, orbital environments, and environmental requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop thermal models and control solutions to maintain spacecraft hardware within allowable operating temperatures.
• Lead thermal modeling, analysis, and development for satellite structures, electronics packaging, and payload systems.
• Define problems, evaluate trade studies, and develop solutions balancing performance, schedule, cost, and risk.
• Own thermal subsystem design from concept through qualification, production, and on-orbit support.
• Perform detailed thermal analysis, environmental predictions, and orbital simulations to validate designs.
• Drive design reviews and provide thermal recommendations to program leadership.

Skills

Thermal modeling

Spacecraft thermal analysis

Thermal Desktop

ANSYS

Cross-functional teamwork

Engineering mentorship

Strong communication

US Citizenship

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Teamcenter

Windchill

CAD software

Thermal testing equipment

Job description

About us

One team. Global challenges. Infinite opportunities. At Viasat, we're on a mission to deliver connections with the capacity to change the world. For more than 35 years, Viasat has helped shape how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the globe communicate. We're looking for people who think big, act fearlessly, and create an inclusive environment that drives positive impact to join our team.

What you'll do

ViaSat is seeking a highly motivated Thermal Engineer to join our growing space infrastructure team. In this role, you will lead the thermal analysis, design, development, qualification, and production transition of thermal control solutions and systems for next-generation satellite platforms. You will develop thermal models and control solutions to maintain spacecraft hardware within allowable operating temperatures throughout the mission. You will serve as a key technical contributor across the full product lifecycle, driving innovative solutions for challenging spaceflight applications while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and program management.

The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in spacecraft thermal analysis and control with the ability to independently solve complex problems, influence technical direction, and mentor developing engineers.

The day-to-day

In this role, you will lead and contribute to projects and programs of significant scope and complexity, applying advanced engineering principles to develop reliable, manufacturable, and cost-effective spacecraft thermal control systems.

You will:

• Develop thermal models and control solutions to maintain spacecraft hardware within allowable operating temperatures throughout the mission.
• Lead thermal modeling, analysis, and development efforts for satellite structures, mechanisms, electronics packaging, and payload systems.
• Independently define problems, evaluate trade studies, and develop engineering solutions that balance thermal performance, schedule, cost, and risk.
• Own thermal control subsystem design from concept development through qualification, production, integration, and on-orbit support.
• Perform and direct detailed thermal analysis, environmental predictions, and orbital thermal simulations to validate flight hardware designs.
• Develop thermal engineering requirements, specifications, procedures, and qualification plans.
• Lead thermal hardware development, integration, thermal vacuum testing, and thermal anomaly resolution activities.
• Drive Design Reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR) and provide thermal technical recommendations to program leadership.
• Collaborate closely with systems, mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, reliability, and supply chain teams to ensure successful product execution.
• Evaluate new thermal control technologies, materials, coatings, and heat transfer processes to improve product capability and scalability.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior engineers and thermal analysts.
• Serve as a recognized subject matter expert in spacecraft thermal engineering and analysis.

What you'll need

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• 10+ years of engineering experience, including significant experience developing thermal models and spaceflight hardware.
• Demonstrated experience leading thermal subsystem development and thermal analysis for spacecraft, satellites, launch vehicles, or other aerospace systems.
• Strong understanding of thermal management, heat transfer, orbital environments, dynamic, and environmental requirements for space applications.
• Experience with thermal engineering analysis tools such as Thermal Desktop, ANSYS, or equivalent, alongside CAD software.
• Experience with thermal environmental qualification and acceptance testing, including thermal vacuum (TVAC) and thermal cycling.
• Ability to independently solve complex thermal problems with limited direction.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presentation of technical data to management and customers.
• Experience working within cross-functional product development teams.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

What will help you on the job

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field with a thermal/fluid focus.
• Experience with small satellite, broadband constellation, or spacecraft bus thermal development programs.
• Knowledge of advanced thermal hardware (heat pipes, radiators, MLI, heaters, louvers, and thermal interface materials).
• Knowledge of launch vehicle interfaces and spacecraft integration processes.
• Familiarity with production scaling of aerospace thermal hardware.
• Experience with Teamcenter, Windchill, or other PLM systems.
• Experience supporting suppliers and contract manufacturers for thermal components.
• Knowledge of spaceflight standards, workmanship requirements, and thermal qualification methodologies.
• Experience performing root cause investigations and driving corrective actions for thermal anomalies.
• Previous experience mentoring engineers and providing technical leadership across teams.

Salary range

$141,500.00 - $224,000.00 / annually.

For specific work locations within San Jose, the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, the base pay range for this role is $176,000.00- $264,000.00/ annually

At Viasat, we consider many factors when it comes to compensation, including the scope of the position as well as your background and experience. Base pay may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Additional cash or stock incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. Learn more about Viasat's comprehensive benefit offerings that are focused on your holistic health and wellness at https://careers.viasat.com/benefits.

EEO Statement

Viasat is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, seeking to create a welcoming and diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, genetics, age, or veteran status or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristic. If you would like to request an accommodation on the basis of disability for completing this on-line application, please click here.