Thermal Engineer (Mid)

Apex; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity in Apex

Comprehensive healthcare plans

Competitive 401(k) plan

Paid parental leave

Daily lunch and snacks

Community events

Flexible desk setup

Job summary

Apex in Los Angeles is seeking a Thermal Engineer to design, analyze, and optimize spacecraft thermal systems. The role involves developing thermal models, collaborating with engineers, and ensuring compliance with aerospace standards. Candidates should have 3+ years of thermal modeling experience, a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, and familiarity with thermal testing methodologies. The position offers competitive salary and benefits, including equity, healthcare, PTO, and a supportive office environment.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in radiative and conductive thermal modeling of spacecraft systems.
• Strong understanding of thermal margin definitions and aerospace thermal control standards.
• Experience with thermal cycling and thermal vacuum testing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain spacecraft-level thermal models using Ansys Thermal Desktop.
• Collaborate with subsystem engineers to design thermal control systems.
• Evaluate thermal analysis results for compliance with standards.
• Plan and manage thermal testing campaigns.
• Develop passive and active thermal management hardware.

Skills

Thermal modeling

Thermal testing

Collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Ansys Thermal Desktop

Siemens NX

Teamcenter

Python

C/C++

Matlab

Job description

Location

Los Angeles

Employment Type

Full time

Department

Engineering

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.

For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.

Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.

About the Role

We are seeking a Thermal Engineer to play a key role in designing, analyzing, and optimizing spacecraft thermal systems. You will work cross-functionally to develop thermal solutions for avionics, electro‑mechanical systems, and spacecraft structures while focusing on reducing the cost and complexity of traditional satellite thermal subsystems. This position requires expertise in thermal modeling, testing, and hardware integration to ensure mission success.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain spacecraft-level thermal models using Ansys Thermal Desktop and other analytical tools.
• Collaborate with subsystem engineers to design and optimize thermal control systems for avionics and electro‑mechanical components.
• Evaluate the validity of thermal analysis results and ensure compliance with Mil-Standard, Aerospace TOR, and vendor requirements.
• Plan, execute, and manage thermal testing campaigns, including thermal vacuum (TVAC) and thermal cycling tests.
• Work with mechanical teams to develop passive and active thermal management hardware, including radiators, heaters, heat pipes, and coatings.
• Support thermal subsystem milestone reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR).
• Perform thermal model correlation using flight and test data.
• Oversee thermal flight hardware integration and quality control.
• Utilize Siemens NX and Teamcenter for thermal design and integration.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in radiative and conductive thermal modeling of spacecraft systems using Thermal Desktop or similar software.
• Strong understanding of thermal margin definitions and aerospace thermal control standards.
• Experience selecting, sizing, and designing thermal control hardware, including heat pipes, heaters, OSR, SSM, MLI, TEC, thermal paints, and tapes.
• 1+ year of experience with thermal cycling and thermal vacuum testing, including setup, instrumentation, and model correlation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with full‑vehicle thermal vacuum testing and thermal model correlation.
• Familiarity with 2‑phase spacecraft thermal control systems.
• Knowledge of PCBA thermal modeling and thermal interface materials (thermal grease, gap pads, etc.).
• Experience with integrated spacecraft and launch vehicle thermal analysis.
• Proficiency in Python, C/C++, or Matlab for thermal modeling and automation.
• Understanding of SMC‑S016 standards or equivalent.
• Familiarity with Atlassian software tools and engineering workflows.

Salary Range: $125,000 - $150,000 base.

The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base salary range and excludes additional benefits. If your salary requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply.

Benefits

• Shared upside: receive equity in Apex, letting you benefit from the work you create.
• Best‑in‑class healthcare, dental, vision plans. The primary and dependents’ premium is 99%+ covered.
• Enjoy our comprehensive PTO package, to reset and recharge.
• Competitive 401(k) plan and matching.
• Paid parental leave.
• Daily lunch and unlimited snacks.
• Community events like monthly office BBQs, pickleball tournaments, a run club and more.
• Your dream desk setup, tools, and whatever else you need to be your most productive self.
• A world class office located in Playa Vista, filled with amazing coworkers and social gatherings for you and your family.
• An opportunity to make a real impact in the aerospace industry.

Apex Technology, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.