The RoleYou will lead thermal modeling and simulation efforts for K2's spacecraft, owning the analysis that predicts spacecraft and component temperatures across all mission phases including ground processing, launch, and on-orbit operations. Working closely with Thermal Design Engineers, you will set modeling standards, review junior analysts' work, and be the primary interface between the analysis team and the Thermal Design Engineers who own hardware. This is an analysis and simulation-focused role: you won't be sizing hardware or running TVAC campaigns yourself, but your models will directly inform the engineers who do.
You will partner with design engineers early in the process to ensure manufacturability while building the first prototype, design the build flow, and finalize the process for transition to production.
Responsibilities- Own end-to-end orbital thermal models via Thermal Desktop for the spacecraft bus from initial architecture through flight
- Work with lead engineers to design active and passive thermal control systems using basic heat transfer and mechanical equations to size lines, pumps, accumulators, cold plates etc.
- Lead steady-state and transient thermal analyses across the full worst-case hot/cold mission envelope, including degraded and off-nominal cases
- Lead trade studies on thermal control architecture
- Define and defend thermal margins at PDR/CDR-level design reviews; present findings directly to program leadership and customers
- Drive correlation of thermal models against TVAC and thermal balance test data; lead root-cause investigation when predictions and test disagree
- Set modeling standards and best practices for the analysis team; mentor junior/associate thermal analysts
- Design and development of heater and cooling systems including control architecture
- Setup, commission, and maintain state-of-the-art test stands and instrumentation
- Develop data acquisition systems for active and passive thermal control systems
- Perform tests on novel pump fluid loop including feed systems, power electronics, and hardware-in-the-loop
- Develop testing and control scripts to conduct safe and reliable test campaigns of pump fluid loop and individual components
- Own analysis documentation and verification closure packages for customer and internal reviews
Qualifications- 5+ years of experience with thermal test experience in a high-rate manufacturing environment
- 3+ years of experience with sizing and testing fluid systems including pumps, valves, accumulators, heat exchanger, cold plates etc.
- Demonstrated experience with data acquisition for thermal and power related applications
- Experience with test plan development and execution
- Strong experience with thermal and TVAC testing including setup, instrumentation, and troubleshooting
- Demonstrated knowledge of NX or AutoCAD is preferred to design test fixtures
Nice to Have- Experience with Thermal Desktop and basic statistical data analysis
- Experience with signal conditioning to define optimal acquisition rate and understand when signal-to-noise ratio is not acceptable
- Experience with pumps testing
- Experience with avionics testing
- Experience with testing refrigeration systems
Compensation and Benefits:- Base salary range for this role is $140,000 - $230,000 + equity in the company
- Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
- Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision/ coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks
If you don't meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!
