Thermal Engineer Verified today

About the Role

As a Thermal Engineer you will design, analyze, implement and demonstrate thermal management solutions for Cowboy Space's space-based power and compute platform. You will develop thermal control strategies for high-power laser systems, high-power compute platforms, spacecraft electronics, and structural components operating in extreme space environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop spacecraft thermal management architectures, including active and passive cooling solutions for high-power and high-heat-flux components.
• Utilize thermal simulation tools such as ANSYS Thermal Desktop to predict system behavior in space conditions.
• Identify optimum solutions at component and system level that balance size, weight and power.
• Develop, support and execute thermal cycle and thermal-vacuum tests to demonstrate flight-worthiness of components, subsystems and spacecraft.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and build and test engineers to ensure seamless integration of thermal management solutions.
• Identify space-grade thermal materials, coatings, and insulation for spacecraft structures.
• Conduct failure mode analysis and implement redundancy in thermal control systems.
• 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 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 such as radiators, heat pipes, thermal interface materials, and heaters.
• Demonstrated experience of spaceflight hardware qualification and acceptance testing of flight components and associated margins.
• Familiarity with vacuum chamber thermal testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or 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 Benefits

Salary range: $150,000 to $200,000 annually. Actual base salary depends on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
• 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 fully stocked kitchen

Export Control Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including 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 required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.