Thermal Engineer

About The Company

At AstroForge, our mission is to make space resources accessible on Earth. We mine asteroids to extract valuable minerals in space at a lower cost and smaller carbon footprint than current terrestrial mining methods. Along the way, we seek to leverage the technologies we build to provide additional value across other domains. We offer a unique opportunity to join an exciting team looking to expand humanity's capabilities in space.

Job Description

AstroForge is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Thermal Engineer to play a crucial role in the design and operation of our deep space mining spacecraft. You will be responsible for architecting the thermal management systems from initial concept through detailed design, analysis, and testing.

This role requires a strong understanding of spacecraft thermal principles, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team. You will contribute to the development of innovative thermal solutions that ensure the success of our ambitious missions.

Responsibilities

• Architect the end-to-end thermal control system for deep space mining spacecraft, including radiators, multi-layer insulation (MLI), heaters, sensors, and thermal coatings.
• Conduct conceptual trades to evaluate thermal architectures based on mission requirements, environmental conditions, and system performance.
• Design, build, and execute thermal vacuum tests, bake-out tests, and other environmental validation activities.
• Apply “test-like-you-fly” principles to ensure test environments accurately replicate operational conditions.
• Analyze test data and correlate results with thermal models to refine design and predictions.
• Collaborate closely with structural, electrical, propulsion, and mission operations engineers to understand system-level thermal constraints and interfaces.
• Participate in system-level thermal trades to optimize spacecraft design and operational strategies.
• Document thermal analysis, design decisions, test plans, and results in clear and concise reports.
• Develop and improve internal tools and processes that streamline thermal design iterations and enhance engineering efficiency.
• Provide technical and non-technical feedback during design reviews and contribute to improving company engineering processes.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline such as Aerospace, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 2 years of professional experience in spacecraft thermal conceptual and detailed design, development, or operations.
• Familiarity with spacecraft environments including vacuum, solar radiation, and deep space temperatures.
• Strong understanding of heat transfer principles including conduction, convection, radiation, and thermodynamics.
• Demonstrated ability to perform thermal analysis using hand calculations and basic modeling.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly present technical information.
• Ability to work onsite in Seal Beach, CA.

Preferred Skills And Experience

• 5 years of experience in spacecraft thermal conceptual and detailed design, development, and operations.
• Experience with CAD and thermal modeling tools for 3D and reduced-order modeling such as Siemens NX and Simcenter Space Systems Thermal or similar thermal analysis tools.

Benefits

• 100% paid medical, dental, and life insurance coverage
• Vision and FSA benefits available
• 3 weeks of PTO 1 week of sick time
• 10 paid holidays
• Retirement savings plan - 401(k), with company match
• Equity on the ground floor of a startup

Salary

Level II: $97,250 - $108,500

Level III: $106,250 - $122,500

Level IV: $120,250 - $148,500

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C.

• 1157, (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C.
• 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Government.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.