5+ years of experience in thermal analysis and modeling
Master's degree in relevant engineering discipline (preferred)
Proficiency in scientific programming languages like MATLAB or Python
Experience with thermal simulation tools such as Thermal Desktop and ANSYS Workbench
Familiarity with 3D modeling and thermal/fluid networks
Strong communication skills and ability to meet tight deadlines
Responsibilities
Design thermal systems for phased arrays, gateways, and consumer wireless products
Develop thermal designs for semiconductor packages from concept to testing
Create and execute tests to validate hardware performance in extreme conditions
Automate workflows to enhance operational efficiency
Apply first-principles analysis for design evaluations
Analyze data to recommend performance improvements
Document design requirements and specifications clearly
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including mechanical, electrical, software, and RF engineers
Benefits
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge satellite technology
Collaborative and innovative work environment
Potential for career advancement within a leading aerospace company
Access to advanced tools and technologies
Flexible work hours with the possibility of remote work options
Full Job Description
SR. THERMAL ENGINEER (STARLINK)
At SpaceX, we are applying our expertise in building rockets and spacecraft to create the world's largest and most advanced satellite broadband system. Starlink delivers fast, reliable internet to millions of users through a vertically integrated network of satellites, receiver antennas, lasers, gateways, and sophisticated software. We design, build, test, and operate every part of the system to serve users everywhere on Earth.
As a thermal engineer, you are responsible for the thermal design, test, and validation of all Starlink hardware. This includes but is not limited to phased array antennas, custom silicon design for chips, consumer WiFi, and other RF systems to be developed in the future. You will use your skills in thermal analysis to make engineering decisions that improve the performance of Starlink hardware everywhere from remote research labs in Antarctica to Mach 0.7 in-flight.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Thermal system design of next-generation phased arrays, gateways, and consumer wireless products - own every component, part, and interface in the design
Thermal design of semiconductor packages, from high level concepts to detail thermal simulations and lab testing
Devise, build, and run tests to validate the expected performance of the hardware in extreme conditions
Automate workflow and pursue operational simplicity to reduce engineering investment in the design cycle
Utilize first-principles approach to evaluate sizing cases and impact of design decisions
Perform analysis to make recommendations for performance/robustness improvements
Produce quality documentation of your work for design requirements and specifications
Continuous collaboration with mechanical, electrical, software, and RF design teams
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in engineering discipline
5+ years of experience in thermal analysis and modeling (internship or project experience is applicable)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Master's degree in relevant engineering discipline
Experience using scientific programming languages such as MATLAB or Python
Experience with Thermal Desktop and ANSYS Workbench
Experience with 3D modeling and 0-D and 1-D thermal/fluid networks
Experience with tools like Flotherm or Icepak
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to deliver against an aggressive schedule
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. a7 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. a7 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
About SpaceX
SpaceX is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company founded in 2002 by entrepreneur Elon Musk. The company designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. SpaceX has developed the Falcon 1, Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Dragon spacecraft. The company was founded with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars. SpaceX has achieved several milestones in spaceflight, including the first privately-funded liquid-propellant rocket to reach orbit, the first privately-funded company to send a spacecraft to the International Space Station, and the first privately-funded company to send a human-rated spacecraft to orbit.
