Thermal Engineer - Spacecraft

Thermal Analysis Engineer
Us Citizens
Spacecraft project.  Located in Houston, Denver, or Tucson

Position Overview

The selected candidate will lead thermal analysis efforts for spacecraft systems and components in a hands-on engineering environment. This role requires the ability to develop accurate thermal models, assess system performance, and deliver clear recommendations for the design and sizing of thermal control systems. The candidate will also support thermal testing activities for spacecraft hardware and integrated systems.

Basic Qualifications

• Strong understanding of heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid flow physics
• Proficiency in both analytical and numerical thermal/fluid analysis
• Working knowledge of spacecraft thermal control hardware such as radiators, pumped fluid loops, heat pipes, phase change materials (PCM), multi‑layer insulation (MLI), and sublimators
• Aerospace testing experience, including test plan development, familiarity with thermal test hardware, and understanding of instrumentation, data systems, and test data analysis
• Experience with the full engineering product lifecycle—from requirements development through design, manufacturing, testing, and operations
• Ability to assess designs and concepts and provide expert technical guidance to improve outcomes
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to build and maintain effective, positive working relationships
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder)

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated, in‑depth experience with Thermal Desktop, including FloCAD

Desired Qualifications

Candidates with the following additional experience will receive preference:

• Human thermal modeling and/or spacesuit thermal analysis
• Thermal control system design and analysis for spacesuits, spacecraft, launch vehicles, and/or missile systems
• Development of environmental control and life support systems (ECLSS) or related subsystems for spacecraft, spacesuits, aircraft, military platforms, or habitats
• Experience supporting NASA or other aerospace development programs
• Strong knowledge of heat exchangers, condensing/boiling heat exchangers, boilers, thermoelectric coolers, variable‑conductance heat pipes, and loop heat pipes
• CAD design experience, particularly with SolidWorks
• Experience collaborating across multi‑company and multi‑organizational development teams

Required Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Bio‑mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or related field and 4 plus of relevant industry experience
• Master’s degree in the same fields and 3 plus years of relevant experience
• PhD in the same fields and 2plus years of relevant experience

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