Thermal Engineer The RoleAs a Thermal Engineer you will design, analyze, implement and demonstrate thermal management solutions for our space-based power and compute platform. This role will focus on developing thermal control strategies for high-power laser systems, high-power compute platforms, spacecraft electronics, and structural components operating in extreme space environments. The ideal candidate will have experience with spacecraft thermal design, analysis, testing, and on-orbit demonstration, ensuring reliable performance in Low Earth Orbit.
Responsibilities- Thermal System Design: Develop spacecraft thermal management architectures, including active and passive cooling solutions for high-power and high-heat-flux components.
- Thermal Analysis & Modeling: Utilize thermal simulation tools such as ANSYS Thermal Desktop to predict system behavior in space conditions.
- Thermal System Optimization: After developing component- and system-level models, identify overall optimum solutions that consider overall size, weight and power.
- Thermal Testing & Validation: Develop, support and execute thermal cycle and thermal-vacuum tests to demonstrate flight-worthiness of components, subsystems and spacecraft.
- Integration with Mechanical & Electrical Systems: Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and build and test engineers to ensure seamless integration of thermal management solutions.
- Material Selection: Identify space-grade thermal materials, coatings, and insulation for spacecraft structures.
- Reliability & Safety: Conduct failure mode analysis and implement redundancy in thermal control systems.
- Collaboration: Work with optics, avionics, and propulsion teams to address thermal constraints in system design.
Basic Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
- 3+ years of experience in thermal analysis and design of spacecraft thermal systems.
- Proficiency with thermal modeling software such as ANSYS Thermal Desktop.
- Strong understanding of thermodynamics and heat transfer fundamentals.
- Experience designing, selecting and testing thermal hardware (e.g., radiators, heat pipes, thermal interface materials, and heaters).
- Demonstrated experience of spaceflight hardware qualification and acceptance testing of flight components, and the margins associated with those.
- Familiarity with vacuum chamber thermal testing.
Preferred Qualifications- Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
- 5+ years of experience designing thermal systems for spacecraft, launch vehicles and/or high-power and heat-flux applications.
- Hands-on experience with spacecraft thermal integration and flight testing.
- Experience with OpenTD and python scripting.
- Strong analytical skills and ability to solve complex thermal design challenges.
Compensation and BenefitsThe salary range for this position is
$150,000 - $200,000 annually.
The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.- Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
- Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement savings plan
- Paid time off
- 10 paid holidays per calendar year
- Paid parental leave
- Relocation assistance if applicable
- Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks
ITAR Requirements- Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.
DisclaimerThis job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.'s discretion.
