Spacecraft Thermal Architect

We’re partnered with an innovative aerospace company pushing the boundaries of spacecraft design and in-orbit performance. They’re looking for a Spacecraft Thermal Architect / Analyst to take ownership of thermal systems across the full mission lifecycle - from early concept through launch and operations.

If you enjoy solving complex physics problems, working on real flight hardware, and influencing mission-critical design decisions, this is a high-impact opportunity.

🌌 What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the end-to-end thermal architecture for spacecraft systems
• Design and optimize thermal control solutions (passive, active, hybrid) for payloads and avionics
• Build and run high-fidelity thermal models to simulate performance across mission phases
• Define worst-case orbital environments (hot/cold cases) including solar, albedo, and IR loads
• Select and integrate thermal hardware (MLI, radiators, heat pipes, coatings, heaters)
• Own thermal vacuum (TVAC) test planning, execution, and model correlation
• Perform component-level sensitivity analysis and ensure compliance with thermal limits
• Communicate findings and influence design through data-driven insights

🧠 What You Bring

• Strong foundation in heat transfer (radiation, conduction, vacuum environments)
• Hands-on experience with thermal analysis tools (e.g. Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT or similar)
• Background in spacecraft or orbital thermal environments
• Understanding of thermal materials and optical properties (absorptivity/emissivity)
• Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (Bachelor’s or above)
• Proven experience in thermal design, modeling, and test correlation

💡 What Sets You Apart

• Ability to validate models with first-principles / hand calculations
• Experience working within mass- and power-constrained systems
• Strong communicator, comfortable engaging with cross-functional and external stakeholders
• Detail-oriented with a passion for mission reliability and performance