Thermal Engineer

York Space Systems; Greenwood Village (CO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

York Space Systems is seeking a Thermal Engineer to design and analyze spacecraft thermal systems to keep components within limits across missions.

The role emphasizes hands-on thermal analysis, hardware collaboration, and development of tools using Thermal Desktop to model environments and optimize designs. Strong communication and teamwork are essential to work with cross-functional groups and suppliers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering is required.
• Master’s degree is preferred.
• 2+ years in spacecraft thermal engineering with analysis, design, or testing.
• Experience with Thermal Desktop is strongly preferred.
• Solid understanding of heat transfer and thermodynamics.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive thermal analyses to determine radiator and heater sizing, select coatings, and ensure thermal limits.
• Collaborate with hardware developers to select materials, processes, and testing protocols.
• Establish and manage thermal interfaces among subsystems for compatibility.
• Communicate thermal requirements to suppliers and contractors for compliance.
• Design and implement test and verification plans for thermal validation.
• Coordinate across engineering on design improvements.
• Interface with programs and customers on high-level and detailed design needs.
• Support peers through reviews to ensure best practices are followed.

Skills

Thermal analysis

Thermal design

Spacecraft thermal engineering

Thermal testing

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Thermal Desktop

Job description

York is looking for a talented Thermal Engineer who specializes in thermal design and analysis to ensure all satellite components remain within their temperature limits throughout a mission's life cycle. This role is ideal for candidates passionate about using on-orbit data to refine future mission designs and capable of developing empirical tools to support similar system designs.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive thermal analyses to determine radiator and heater sizing, select appropriate external coatings, and ensure all spacecraft components remain within thermal limits.
• Collaborate with hardware developers to select materials, processes, and testing protocols that meet thermal design specifications.
• Establish and manage thermal interfaces among various spacecraft subsystems to ensure compatibility and functional integration.
• Communicate and enforce thermal interface and environmental requirements to suppliers and contractors for component compliance.
• Design and implement test and verification plans for thermal validation, establishing proper verification levels for spacecraft components.
• Coordinate across engineering on clean sheet designs and design improvements.
• Interface directly with programs and the end customer on high level and detail level design needs and requirements.
• Support peers through checking and collaboration to ensure best practices is implemented on all products developed within the team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 2+ years in spacecraft thermal engineering or a closely related field with demonstrated expertise in thermal analysis, component design, or thermal testing (salary based on experience).
• Experience with Thermal Desktop is strongly preferred as this tool is a core part of the job. Candidates should be able to perform thermal analysis, model thermal environments, and optimize spacecraft design using this software.
• Understanding of heat transfer principles, thermodynamics, and their applications in spacecraft systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively within cross-functional teams and communicate complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Ability to convey design decisions, analysis conclusions, and recommendations meaningfully across departments.
• Experience with configuration control, the lifecycle of a design release and product lifecycle management.
• Demonstrates self-initiated work in a team environment with an ability to work independently.
• Possession of a US government security clearance or an ability and desire to obtain one.

Preferred Requirements

• Experience with integrated software/hardware verification and testing for spacecraft is a plus.
• Familiarity with the entire spacecraft development lifecycle, from initial concept through final mission execution in orbit.