Spacecraft Thermal Engineer
$90,000 - $130,000
Full time - On-site
Littleton, Colorado
My client builds, and operates a diverse range of small satellite systems supporting space-based turnkey missions for several business applications, including earth observation, communications, in-orbit demonstrations, risk reduction opportunities, in addition to various science and exploration applications.
Position Summary:
The Spacecraft Thermal Engineer is responsible for thermal analysis and thermal related support of all classes of of clients bus.
The ideal candidate is a meticulous, self-motivated thermal engineer with deep experience in thermal analysis of spacecraft both at the system and unit level
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Building both spacecraft system level and unit level models as required using Thermal Desktop
- Working with other disciplines to gather requirements and inputs necessary to complete analysis
- Presenting results in an efficient manner, identifying if requirements are met or possible solutions
- Providing thermal design recommendations (e.g., thermal interface material, heater placement, temperature sensor placement, coatings, etc.)
- Supporting thermal vacuum and thermal cycling testing.
Key Requirements:
- BS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or closely related field
- 2-5 years of experience as a thermal engineer or thermal analyst in the aerospace field using Thermal Desktop
- Proficiency building Thermal Desktop models for analysis of spacecraft and subsystems
- Proficiency with performing thermal hand calcs/back of the envelop assessments
- Experience with thermal data post-processing (e.g., temperature data and heater power data) in Excel or Python
- Experience planning and executing thermal vacuum and thermal cycling testing
- Self-motivated work ethic with a desire to learn new aspects of thermal analysis and engineering
- Good written, verbal, and virtual communication skills
- Willingness to travel ~5 times/year
Beneficial Skills/Qualifications:
- An MS in engineering directly related to thermal analysis or thermal engineering
- Proficiency with SINDA/FLUINT and Thermal Desktop User Logic
- Proficiency in CAD modeling and drawing creation via Solidworks
- Proficiency analyzing electronic components at the board level using Thermal Desktop
- Experience meshing complex geometry using TD Direct or other meshing software for use in Thermal Desktop
- Possesses a solid understanding of thermal environments and effects
- Familiarity with standards such as NASA-STD-7000 (GEVS)
- Familiarity with SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare requirements