About the roleMuon Space is hiring a Senior Thermal Engineer to own instrument-level thermal engineering across missions (SBEM, Quickbeam, Hydrosat) - models, hardware, and verification end-to-end - while contributing to spacecraft-level thermal balance. You'll be a recognized technical voice who works across disciplines to land elegant, well-balanced designs.
This position is hybrid and requires working on-site in our San Jose, CA office three days per week.
Responsibilities- Own instrument thermal models and drive instrument NRE and per-mission-block design improvements.
- Own the thermal V&V test plan, including model correlation, for instruments.
- Own thermal hardware ICDs (heat straps, radiators) and performance requirements.
- Contribute to full-spacecraft thermal balance and system thermal model integration.
- Support system-level testing and define thermal limits and margins to other subsystems.
- Mentor junior thermal engineers and serve as the technical go-to for instrument thermal.
Required Qualifications- 8+ years (BS+8 / MS+6) in spacecraft or aerospace thermal engineering.
- Expert in thermal simulation and full-spacecraft thermal balance.
- Experience designing, executing, and correlating TVAC and unit-level thermal tests.
- Fluency across thermal-mechanical interfaces (ICDs, margins, requirements flow-down).
- B.S. or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, Physics, or a related field.
Nice-to-have- Scripting in Python or Matlab.
- Systems-engineering experience.
- Experience with IR-imaging systems or spacecraft payloads.
SalaryThe salary range for this role is $183,000 - $198,000, plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be determined based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location as assessed during the interview process.
