Thermal Engineer

Starcloud; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 128,600 - 213,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Paid parental leave

Generous paid vacation and sick leave

Job summary

A leading aerospace technology firm in Redmond is looking for a Thermal Engineer to design and develop advanced thermal control systems for space-based data centers. This role involves conducting thermal analyses, optimizing designs, and overseeing testing efforts. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, extensive experience in thermal control systems, and proficiency with tools like Ansys and SolidWorks. A competitive salary and benefits package are offered, with opportunities for innovation in a pioneering environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with active thermal control, particularly in the space domain.
• 3+ years of experience in testing and system verification.
• 3+ years of experience developing active thermal control hardware.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thermal analysis for spacecraft subsystems and optimize designs.
• Lead testing and validation efforts to ensure system reliability.
• Support system integration by providing thermal analysis recommendations.

Skills

Thermal analysis

Design optimization

Prototyping and testing

Data interpretation

Technical collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Ansys

SolidWorks

Job description

Company Overview:

Starcloud is building a network of data centers in space, starting at kilowatts and scaling to gigawatt capacity. Falling launch costs allow us to take advantage of the abundant energy, radiative cooling techniques, and ability to rapidly scale in space. Join our team, push the boundaries of the space economy, and be part of this pioneering effort to redefine the future of energy.

Position Overview:

As a Thermal Engineer at Starcloud, you will be instrumental in designing and developing advanced thermal control systems for our space-based data centers. This hands‑on role requires a highly innovative and dynamic individual with extensive experience in thermal analysis and design. You will conduct detailed thermal analyses, drive design optimizations, and lead testing and validation efforts to ensure system reliability and performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and Development:
  • Conduct preliminary and detailed thermal analysis on spacecraft and subsystems for operational conditions in orbit. These subsystems include heat exchangers, coolant loops, pumps, and very large lightweight deployable radiators, working closely with the mechanical and mechanisms teams.
  • Design, analyze, and optimize these thermal control systems, balancing performance, mass, cost, and reliability.
• Testing and Validation:
  • Conduct rapid prototyping and testing of engineering models for iterative design feedback.
  • Define, lead, and execute thermal cycling and thermal vacuum tests for development and qualification at subsystem and spacecraft levels.
  • Develop and execute reliability plans to demonstrate the longevity of active components.
• System Integration and Support:
  • Provide thermal analysis and recommendations during architectural trades, supporting system architects and subsystem leads.
  • Document trade‑offs and design evolution, presenting results in design reviews.
  • Strategize component sourcing and select appropriate test equipment (e.g., TVAC chambers, sensors, data logging).

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience with active thermal control, ideally in the space domain, delivering solutions optimized for mass, cost, reliability, performance, and manufacturability.
• 3+ years of experience with test planning, setup, results correlation, and system verification for production.
• 3+ years of experience in developing and/or selecting active thermal control hardware (e.g., pumps, deployable radiators, accumulators, heat transfer fluids).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Proven track record in spacecraft thermal design, delivering optimized solutions for mass, cost, reliability, performance, and manufacturability.
• Experience developing hardware and spacecraft that have successfully operated in space.
• Proficiency with Ansys
• Advanced CAD skills (SolidWorks).
• Experience interpreting and correlating data from on‑orbit telemetry.

Compensation and Benefits:

Starcloud offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Thermal Engineer/Level I: $128,600 - $160,000 per year
• Thermal Engineer/Level II: $160,000 - $213,600 per year
• Potential for stock options, discretionary bonuses, and other long‑term incentives.
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Short and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, and paid parental leave.
• Generous paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to support critical project milestones.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or eligible for authorization under U.S. export regulations.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Starcloud is committed to fostering an inclusive and meritocratic workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify our Human Resources Department.

Join Starcloud and shape the future!

Embrace the challenge, push technological boundaries, and contribute to solving the global energy challenge. Apply today to join our visionary team dedicated to innovation and advancing humanity.

We receive many applications, and so we apologize that we may not be able to respond to every applicant.