Thermal Analysis Engineer

Craig-Technologies; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Craig Technologies in Houston, TX is seeking a Thermal Analysis Engineer to support detailed thermal modeling of spacecraft and aerospace systems destined for cislunar and lunar missions. You will develop high-fidelity thermal models to optimize control architectures and plan rigorous TVAC campaigns.

Collaborating with design, structures, systems and test teams, you will analyze telemetry and ensure flight readiness while maintaining ITAR compliance and clear thermal documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's/Master's or PhD in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering required.
• 3–5 years of aerospace thermal control experience required.
• Proficiency with Thermal Desktop or equivalent tools required.
• Familiarity with industry standards and space environment heating vectors requested.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed thermal analyses of spacecraft systems using Thermal Desktop.
• Predict transient and steady-state thermal behavior under deep-space loads.
• Develop and correlate high-fidelity thermal models for optimization.
• Design and optimize passive/active thermal control systems (radiators, MLI, heaters).
• Plan and execute TVAC environmental testing campaigns.
• Analyze test telemetry and update analytical models for flight prediction.
• Collaborate with design, structural, systems and test teams across lifecycle.
• Document design analyses, hardware specs, and test plans.
• Stay current with emerging aerospace thermal tech and processes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelors/Masters/PhD in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Thermal Desktop (SINDA/FLUINT)

Job description

Req#: 4095

Thermal Analysis Engineer

The vision at Craig Technologies is to make space accessible to everyone by increasing the viability of low-cost access to space. At Craig Technologies, our whole is greater than the sum of our parts. The Craig Technologies team is made up of highly talented individuals, each contributing their own experience, knowledge, skills, and ideas. It is our team that sets us apart from our competition and makes our mission of Bringing Space Down to Earth™ possible. At Craig Technologies we treat each day like it’s Day One. We operate with a sense of urgency; we are customer obsessed, always learning and constantly evolving. Join our team and be a part of something great!

Job Summary

Craig Technologies is seeking an innovative and cutting-edge Thermal Analysis Engineer to join our team in Houston, TX or Merritt Island, FL. The candidate will support the detailed thermal modeling, analysis, and environmental verification of spacecraft and aerospace systems destined for cislunar and lunar orbit missions. This role is responsible for ensuring components, payloads, and fully integrated vehicles can survive the extreme thermal extremes of deep space, alternating between intense direct solar radiation and prolonged, battery-draining eclipse periods.

• Conduct detailed thermal analyses of spacecraft systems, subsystems, and payloads across all active mission phases using Thermal Desktop or equivalent software.
• Analyze and predict the transient and steady-state thermal behavior of active components under varied deep-space, cislunar, and lunar orbit environmental loads.
• Develop, refine, and correlate high-fidelity thermal models to optimize thermal control system architectures.
• Design, evaluate, and optimize passive and active thermal control systems, including radiators, heat pipes, heaters, thermal interface materials, and multi-layer insulation (MLI) blankets.
• Plan and execute rigorous environmental testing campaigns, specifically Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) profiles, to ensure compliance with mission-specific requirements.
• Analyze empirical test telemetry and correlate test data back into analytical thermal models to lock in flight prediction accuracy.
• Collaborate closely with design, structural, systems, and test engineering teams to integrate cross-disciplinary thermal management strategies throughout the spacecraft lifecycle.
• Generate clear thermal documentation, including design analysis reports (ITAR-compliant where necessary), operational hardware specifications, and environmental test plans for internal stakeholders and commercial clients.
• Stay current with emerging aerospace thermal control technologies, space-qualification workflows, and analytical best practices to contribute to internal process improvements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

• Strong analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills with a highly meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey complex thermal gradient data and margin risks clearly.
• Flexible and adaptable mindset to pivot seamlessly across shifting project priorities, commercial client deadlines, and mission targets.
• Collaborative, team-focused approach to contributing on multidisciplinary aerospace engineering projects.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's, Master’s, or Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a highly related technical field plus a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in aerospace thermal control systems.
• Minimally 3-5 years of direct experience in spacecraft thermal modeling, simulation, and the application of complex heat transfer principles (conduction, radiation, and orbital environmental heat fluxes).
• Proficiency with Thermal Desktop (SINDA/FLUINT) or equivalent aerospace thermal analysis simulation tools.
• Familiarity with aerospace industry standards for thermal design, space environment mitigations, and planetary/lunar albedo heating vectors.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Experience with clean-room integrations, flight thermocouple placement, and hands-on monitoring of physical TVAC test chambers is a plus.
• All candidates selected will be subject to a background investigation and drug screen.
• To conform to U.S. Government International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you 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.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods standing or walking on hard surfaces.
• Ability to travel <10% to support TVAC or integration testing facilities.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.

Note: This job description describes the general nature of the duties and requirements of the job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list or to limit the supervisor's ability to modify work assignments as appropriate.

***All candidates selected will be subject to a security background investigation and must meet all eligibility requirements for access to classified information. ***Craig Technologies is an EEO Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other non-job-related protected status. All candidates selected will be subject to a security background investigation and must meet all eligibility requirements for access to classified information.