Thermal Engineer

Starcloud; Woodinville (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Discretionary bonuses

Medical coverage

401(k) plan

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Parental leave

Paid vacation

Job summary

Starcloud, Inc. in Woodinville, WA seeks a Thermal Engineer to design and develop thermal control systems for space-based data centers, including radiators and coolant loops. You will conduct thermal analyses, optimize designs for mass, cost, and reliability, and lead testing efforts.

This hands-on role requires expertise with Thermal Desktop and Ansys, 5+ years in active thermal control, and experience delivering hardware suitable for space. U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline; or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency with Thermal Desktop and Ansys for thermal analysis and design.
• 5+ years of experience in active thermal control, preferably in space applications.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze thermal control systems for space-based platforms, balancing mass, cost, reliability and performance.
• Lead testing and validation, including thermal cycling and thermal vacuum tests at subsystem/spacecraft levels.
• Develop FM thermal hardware and provide recommendations during architectural trades.

Skills

Thermal analysis

Thermal Desktop

Ansys

Active thermal control

Space hardware experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

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 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, design optimizations, and lead testing and validation efforts to ensure system reliability and performance.

Responsibilities

Design and Analysis:

• Conduct preliminary and detailed thermal analysis on spacecraft and subsystems for operational conditions in orbit. These subsystems include cold plates, 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.
• Provide thermal analysis and recommendations during architectural trades, supporting system architects and subsystem leads.

Testing and Validation:

• Conduct rapid prototyping and testing of engineering models for iterative design feedback.
• Take responsibility for building FM thermal hardware
• Define, lead, and execute thermal cycling and thermal vacuum tests for development and qualification at subsystem and spacecraft levels.

Requirements

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Good competency with Thermal Desktop and Ansys
• 5+ years of experience with active thermal control, ideally in the space domain, delivering solutions optimized for mass, cost, reliability, performance, and manufacturability.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.
• Experience interpreting and correlating data from on-orbit telemetry.

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.

Benefits

Compensation and Benefits:

Starcloud offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• 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.

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!

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