Thermal Engineer

Starcloud, Inc.; Redmond (WA); On-site; USD 128,600 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Discretionary bonuses

Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Paid parental leave

Job summary

A pioneering technology firm in Redmond is seeking a Thermal Engineer to design and develop thermal control systems for space-based data centers. This role requires at least 5 years of experience in thermal analysis and design, with proficiency in Thermal Desktop and Ansys. The role involves conducting thermal analyses, optimizing designs, and leading testing efforts while ensuring system reliability. The position offers a competitive salary range of $128,600 - $160,000 and includes excellent benefits such as comprehensive health coverage and a retirement plan.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with active thermal control, ideally in the space domain.
• Proven track record in spacecraft thermal design.
• Experience with systems optimized for mass, cost, reliability, and performance.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thermal analysis on spacecraft subsystems for orbit operational conditions.
• Design and optimize thermal control systems balancing various factors.
• Lead thermal cycling and thermal vacuum tests for system qualification.

Skills

Thermal analysis

Design optimization

Thermal control systems

Prototyping and testing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

Thermal Desktop

Ansys

Job description

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.

Key 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.

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.

Compensation and Benefits:

Starcloud offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Thermal Engineer: $128,600 - $160,000 per year
• Senior Thermal Engineer: $160,000 - $213,600 per year
• 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.

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.