Senior Thermal Engineer, Spacecraft

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Thermal Engineer - Spacecraft

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Thermal Engineer - Spacecraft to lead thermal engineering activities throughout the spacecraft lifecycle, including design, development, manufacturing, testing, launch, and flight operations.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in satellite thermal engineering, thermal modeling, spacecraft thermal architecture, and environmental testing. This individual will work closely with the systems engineering team and contribute to the development and qualification of generic satellite platforms as well as customer-specific spacecraft.

The role will involve end-to-end ownership of thermal engineering activities, from initial design and analysis through Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT), launch, and in-orbit operations.

Key Responsibilities

- Define and develop spacecraft thermal architecture, including radiators, thermal blankets, heaters, and other thermal control components.

- Develop, maintain, and analyze spacecraft thermal models.

- Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve issues related to spacecraft thermal behavior and performance.

- Perform thermal predictions and simulations for spacecraft hot-case and cold-case scenarios.

- Conduct thermal analysis and predictions for Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing.

- Correlate thermal models with actual environmental test results.

- Define thermal test success criteria and validate spacecraft thermal performance.

- Calculate and evaluate spacecraft thermal power consumption requirements.

- Support spacecraft design, development, qualification, manufacturing, AIT, launch, and flight operations.

- Collaborate with systems, mechanical, and other engineering teams throughout the spacecraft development lifecycle.

- Participate in customer-facing technical meetings and provide thermal engineering expertise.

- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical knowledge sharing within the engineering team.

Required Qualifications

- Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or an equivalent technical discipline.

- Strong technical background and hands-on experience in satellite thermal engineering.

- Experience in spacecraft thermal analysis, thermal modeling, and thermal control systems.

- Understanding of spacecraft thermal behavior and environmental testing requirements.

- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

- Ability to take ownership of engineering activities and deliver results.

- Willingness to share technical knowledge and mentor junior engineers.

- Positive attitude with strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

- 5+ years of experience in space programs or spacecraft engineering.

- Experience working with nanosatellites and small satellites.

- Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles.

- Experience with spacecraft thermal design, qualification, and TVAC testing.

- Exposure to the complete spacecraft lifecycle, from conceptual design through launch and flight operations.

Benefits

- Medical and health insurance coverage.

- 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching.

- Opportunities to collaborate with international engineering teams.

- Occasional international travel opportunities.

- Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.

- Exposure to challenging spacecraft engineering projects and advanced R&D initiatives.

\nCompany Description

W3Global was established in 2006 in Fremont, CA with a vision: simplify the recruiting process and develop an industry-disrupting platform to connect candidates with clients. Our cutting-edge Applicant Tracking System enables us to find the right person for the right job, creating value for job seekers and employers. While W3Global initially focused on IT staffing, we have expanded the business to serve many other industries, including accounting and finance, legal, engineering, human resources, government and more.

We’re proud of the investments we’ve made in our team, having grown from four to 1000 employees and evolving into one of the leading recruitment and staffing solution providers in the industry. Our recruiters and account managers are passionate about connecting qualified professionals with the right positions in small, medium, and large companies.

Our Services
W3Global understands the natural ups and downs of an organization’s staffing needs. We are continuously adapting to industry and economic changes to find the right candidates.

We specialize in placing permanent, direct, contract, and temporary positions for companies of any size. Our recruiting services include sourcing, recruiting, screening, interview management, salary negotiations, training, and onboarding.

We are committed to helping organizations redefine their recruitment process by delivering our SaaS-based proprietary application tracking system software.

Our Expertise
W3Global has been delivering staffing solutions for nearly two decades; we know which recruiting strategies work best. Our expert team is committed to developing a customized solution to fit your company’s unique needs.

As a W3Global client, you’ll also receive personalized assistance from a seasoned team of staffing specialists. We are committed to providing both technical support and industry expertise to simplify the hiring process. We know that your time matters. W3Global will help you streamline the hiring process, getting it done and getting it right.

Company Description

W3Global was established in 2006 in Fremont, CA with a vision: simplify the recruiting process and develop an industry-disrupting platform to connect candidates with clients. Our cutting-edge Applicant Tracking System enables us to find the right person for the right job, creating value for job seekers and employers. While W3Global initially focused on IT staffing, we have expanded the business to serve many other industries, including accounting and finance, legal, engineering, human resources, government and more.\r\n\r\nWe’re proud of the investments we’ve made in our team, having grown from four to 1000 employees and evolving into one of the leading recruitment and staffing solution providers in the industry. Our recruiters and account managers are passionate about connecting qualified professionals with the right positions in small, medium, and large companies.\r\n\r\nOur Services\r\nW3Global understands the natural ups and downs of an organization’s staffing needs. We are continuously adapting to industry and economic changes to find the right candidates.\r\n\r\nWe specialize in placing permanent, direct, contract, and temporary positions for companies of any size. Our recruiting services include sourcing, recruiting, screening, interview management, salary negotiations, training, and onboarding.\r\n\r\nWe are committed to helping organizations redefine their recruitment process by delivering our SaaS-based proprietary application tracking system software.\r\n\r\nOur Expertise\r\nW3Global has been delivering staffing solutions for nearly two decades; we know which recruiting strategies work best. Our expert team is committed to developing a customized solution to fit your company’s unique needs.\r\n\r\nAs a W3Global client, you’ll also receive personalized assistance from a seasoned team of staffing specialists. We are committed to providing both technical support and industry expertise to simplify the hiring process. We know that your time matters. W3Global will help you streamline the hiring process, getting it done and getting it right.