Apex

Thermal Engineer (Mid)

Apex$90K — $120K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3+ years of experience in thermal modeling of spacecraft systems using Thermal Desktop or similar software.
  • Understanding of aerospace thermal control standards and thermal margin definitions.
  • Experience in designing thermal control hardware like heat pipes and heaters.
  • 1+ year of experience with thermal cycling and vacuum testing, including data correlation.
  • Experience with spacecraft thermal analysis and integration.

Responsibilities

  • Develop spacecraft-level thermal models using analytical tools.
  • Collaborate with engineers to optimize thermal control systems.
  • Evaluate thermal analysis results for compliance with aerospace standards.
  • Manage thermal testing campaigns, including thermal vacuum tests.
  • Oversee thermal hardware integration and quality control.
  • Support thermal subsystem milestone reviews and correlation with test data.
  • Work with teams to develop thermal management hardware.

Benefits

  • Receive equity in Apex as part of your compensation.
  • Comprehensive healthcare coverage, including vision and dental, is 99% covered for you and dependents.
  • Generous PTO starting at 15 days, with opportunities to grow to over 20 days annually.
  • Competitive 401(k) with substantial company matching contributions.
  • Paid parental leave and childcare reimbursement for work-related travel.
  • Daily catered lunches and unlimited snacks provided in the office.
  • Engaging community events like BBQs and sports tournaments to foster team camaraderie.
  • Your own personalized workspace to optimize productivity in a vibrant office.
Full Job Description
We are seeking a Thermal Engineer to play a key role in designing, analyzing, and optimizing spacecraft thermal systems. You will work cross-functionally to develop thermal solutions for avionics, electro-mechanical systems, and spacecraft structures while focusing on reducing the cost and complexity of traditional satellite thermal subsystems. This position requires expertise in thermal modeling, testing, and hardware integration to ensure mission success.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop and maintain spacecraft-level thermal models using Ansys Thermal Desktop and other analytical tools.
  • Collaborate with subsystem engineers to design and optimize thermal control systems for avionics and electro-mechanical components.
  • Evaluate the validity of thermal analysis results and ensure compliance with Mil-Standard, Aerospace TOR, and vendor requirements.
  • Plan, execute, and manage thermal testing campaigns, including thermal vacuum (TVAC) and thermal cycling tests.
  • Work with mechanical teams to develop passive and active thermal management hardware, including radiators, heaters, heat pipes, and coatings.
  • Support thermal subsystem milestone reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR, MRR).
  • Perform thermal model correlation using flight and test data.
  • Oversee thermal flight hardware integration and quality control.
  • Utilize Siemens NX and Teamcenter for thermal design and integration.


Requirements:

  • 3+ years of experience in radiative and conductive thermal modeling of spacecraft systems using Thermal Desktop or similar software.
  • Strong understanding of thermal margin definitions and aerospace thermal control standards.
  • Experience selecting, sizing, and designing thermal control hardware, including heat pipes, heaters, OSR, SSM, MLI, TEC, thermal paints, and tapes.
  • 1+ year of experience with thermal cycling and thermal vacuum testing, including setup, instrumentation, and model correlation.


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with full-vehicle thermal vacuum testing and thermal model correlation.
  • Familiarity with 2-phase spacecraft thermal control systems.
  • Knowledge of PCBA thermal modeling and thermal interface materials (thermal grease, gap pads, etc.).
  • Experience with integrated spacecraft and launch vehicle thermal analysis.
  • Proficiency in Python, C/C++, or Matlab for thermal modeling and automation.
  • Understanding of SMC-S016 standards or equivalent.
  • Familiarity with Atlassian software tools and engineering workflows


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Ready to join a team where your contributions matter and your future is bright? Let's build something extraordinary together.

About Apex

Industry
Founded
2003

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