Staff Thermal Engineer, Space

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa (CA)

On-site

USD 166,000 - 220,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans

Generous time off

Professional development reimbursement

Relocation assistance

Job summary

A defense technology company in California is seeking a Thermal Analyst to own thermal design and analysis for space hardware. You will utilize your expertise in heat transfer and thermal simulation tools to define robust architectures and conduct hands-on prototyping. The role demands a degree in engineering or applied physics, as well as U.S. Person status due to export control regulations. This position offers a competitive salary range of $166,000—$220,000 and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

Demonstrated knowledge of heat transfer in an academic and/or professional setting.
Hands-on experience prototyping hardware and conducting thermal tests.
Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.

Responsibilities

Own the thermal design, analysis, test, and associated component vendor management.
Define good thermal architecture to withstand space environments.
Present thermal status at formal reviews internally and with customers.

Skills

Thermal analysis

Heat transfer knowledge

Prototyping experience

CAD experience

Programming in Python or MATLAB

Education

BS, MS, or higher degree in engineering, applied physics, or hard science

Tools

Thermal Desktop

Siemens NX

Job description

Anduril Industries is a defense technology company dedicated to transforming U.S. and allied military capabilities with cutting‑edge technology. By leveraging the expertise, technology, and business model of the 21st century’s most innovative companies, Anduril is changing how military systems are designed, built and sold. Powered by the Lattice OS, an AI‑powered operating system that turns thousands of data streams into a real‑time 3D command and control center, Anduril is committed to delivering autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the military in months, not years.

About The Team

The Space team expands Anduril’s AI‑powered capabilities into the final frontier, enhancing Space Domain Awareness, Space Control, and Command and Control for U.S. military and allied partners. We develop fully integrated hardware and software systems, including Lattice for Space Missions and modular payloads, to address growing threats in space and ensure our Guardians maintain a decisive advantage in this contested war‑fighting domain.

What You’ll Do

Own the thermal design, analysis, test, and associated component vendor management of a space hardware development program.
Use first principles as a basis for every decision and discern the right level of analysis to apply. Execute hand calculations, spreadsheet, and MATLAB/Python first‑order models to inform the path forward before jumping into detailed design.
Define good thermal architecture to withstand the space environments. Quantify hot, cold, and other edge cases that drive the system.
Communicate pros and cons of system architecture with respect to thermal considerations.
Present thermal status at formal reviews internally and with customers, providing clear understanding of timelines and technical status.
Develop internal tools to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of analysis.
Develop, prepare, and execute thermal tests to inform analysis and reduce risk on key hardware assemblies.
Develop a database of materials, thermal properties, and vendors of thermal hardware for use in space.
Support failure reviews and root‑cause analysis with test data and thermal analysis.

Required Qualifications

BS, MS, or higher degree in engineering, applied physics, or hard science.
Demonstrated knowledge of heat transfer in an academic and/or professional setting.
Proficiency in Thermal Desktop or equivalent thermal simulation tool.
Hands‑on experience prototyping hardware and conducting thermal tests, including CAD, selecting instrumentation, post‑processing data, and correlating models.
CAD experience (Siemens NX preferred).
Passion for defending the United States and her allies.
Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export‑controlled information or facilities.

Preferred Qualifications

10+ years professional experience as a thermal analyst using Thermal Desktop.
Design or test experience on a space platform.
Experience developing code in higher‑level languages such as Python or MATLAB for applications like lumped thermal capacitance steady‑state and transient analysis.
Ability to obtain and hold a U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

US Salary Range
$166,000—$220,000 USD

Healthcare Benefits

US Roles: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
UK & AUS Roles: We cover the full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents.
IE Roles: We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents.

Additional Benefits

Income Protection: Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.
Generous time off: Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December. Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs.
Family Planning & Parenting Support: Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting.
Mental Health Resources: Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work‑life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available.
Professional Development: Annual reimbursement for professional development.
Commuter Benefits: Company‑funded commuter benefits based on your region.
Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility.

Retirement Savings Plan