Thermal Engineer

InnoForge; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

InnoForge in El Segundo is seeking a Senior Thermal Systems Engineer to join its growing mechanical engineering organization, covering the full thermal lifecycle from analysis and hardware selection through environmental testing and spacecraft integration.

You will work on passive and active thermal-control systems, thermal analysis and modelling, MLI, heaters, radiators, and sensors, and you will correlate models with test results while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of space thermal engineering experience
• Experience developing spacecraft thermal systems from analysis through test
• Strong understanding of orbital thermal environments and heat transfer
• Experience with Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, RadCAD, Siemens thermal tools or equivalent
• Experience with spacecraft integration and environmental testing
• Familiarity with MLI and other spacecraft thermal-control hardware
• Some CAD plus MATLAB or Python knowledge

Responsibilities

• Passively and actively manage spacecraft thermal-control systems
• Perform thermal analysis and modelling of hardware
• Plan and execute thermal tests (TVAC, thermal cycling)
• Correlate thermal models with test results
• Support hardware fabrication, integration and qualification
• Collaborate with mechanical, structures, electrical, GNC, systems, manufacturing and test teams

Skills

Thermal engineering

Thermal analysis

Spacecraft systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Thermal Desktop

SINDA/FLUINT

RadCAD

Siemens thermal tools

MATLAB

Python

CAD

Job description

I’m supporting an early-stage space company in El Segundo with the hire of a Senior Thermal Systems Engineer to join its growing mechanical engineering organisation.

The role covers the full thermal lifecycle, from analysis and hardware selection through environmental testing, model correlation and spacecraft integration.

What you’ll be working on:

• Passive and active spacecraft thermal-control systems
• Thermal analysis and modelling
• MLI, heaters, heat pipes, radiators, sensors and thermal coatings
• TVAC and thermal-cycle test planning and execution
• Thermal interface and material-characterisation testing
• Correlating thermal models against test results
• Mapping thermal loads and temperatures into structural models
• Supporting hardware fabrication, integration and qualification
• Working closely with mechanical, structures, electrical, GNC, systems, manufacturing and test teams

What they’re looking for:

• 4+ years of relevant space thermal engineering experience
• Experience developing spacecraft thermal systems from analysis through test
• Strong understanding of orbital thermal environments and heat transfer
• Experience with Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, RadCAD, Siemens thermal tools or equivalent
• Experience with spacecraft integration and environmental testing
• Familiarity with MLI and other spacecraft thermal-control hardware
• Some CAD plus MATLAB or Python knowledge

Previous satellite, spacecraft or launch vehicle development experience would be particularly relevant. The position also requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

This role works with U.S. export-controlled space technology and is subject to ITAR requirements. Candidates must meet the applicable export-control criteria, including U.S. citizens/nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees/asylees, or those otherwise eligible for the required U.S. Department of State authorisation.

If you’re a thermal engineer who wants to stay close to both the analysis and the actual hardware, get in touch.