Sr. Spacecraft Thermal Engineer Verified today
About Observable Space
Observable Space is a vertically integrated space technology company building precision optics platforms for Earth and in space. We deliver foundational systems for navigation, observation, and communication, including advanced ground stations, on-orbit sensor suites, free space optical lasercom, and distributed compute platforms. Our customers include NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, RTX, and the US Space Force.
The Role
Join us as a Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer to design and develop thermal control systems for telescope platforms and spacecraft. You will work with a multidisciplinary team of optical, electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to ensure thermal stability and performance for ground-based and potential future space-based deployment.
What You'll Do
- Design and optimize thermal control systems for spacecraft and telescope platforms including radiators, heaters, insulation, thermal straps, and enclosures.
- Develop thermal models and perform detailed thermal analysis (steady-state and transient) across operational environments.
- Perform STOP analysis (Structural, Thermal, Optical Performance) to verify system-level thermal stability and its impact on optical performance.
- Conduct FEA simulations for thermal, structural, and environmental conditions.
- Collaborate with optics, mechanical, and electrical teams to ensure proper thermal integration with imaging, tracking, and sensing subsystems.
- Define thermal requirements, margins, and verification strategies for system and subsystem performance.
- Support environmental testing, including thermal vacuum (TVAC), thermal cycling, and validation of thermal models.
- Support the full product lifecycle, from concept design and prototyping to testing and production.
- Participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR) and internal documentation.
- Provide engineering support during fabrication, integration, QC, and system validation.
What You'll Bring
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
- 5+ years of experience in thermal engineering for aerospace or high-performance systems.
- Strong understanding of heat transfer fundamentals (conduction, convection, radiation).
- Experience with thermal analysis tools such as Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, ANSYS, or similar.
- Experience developing and validating thermal models for complex systems.
- Effective communicator and collaborator.
- Demonstrated passion for aerospace or observational technologies.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with spacecraft thermal control systems and space environments (LEO, GEO, or deep space).
- Understanding of FEA (ANSYS, Nastran, etc.), tolerance analysis, and DFM principles.
- Experience with thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing, thermal cycling, and model correlation.
- Grasp of materials, coatings, surface properties, and thermal interface design.
- Understanding of system engineering workflows, interface control documents, and verification processes.
- Experience working in fast-paced, early-stage or startup environments.
- Basic scripting or automation (Python, MATLAB) for thermal modeling or data analysis.
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation aligned with industry standards and your experience.
- Equity opportunities with stock options.
- Hybrid work environment with a minimum of 3 days per week in our LA office.
- Unlimited PTO (exempt only) and paid holidays.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of premiums paid by the employer.
- Access to cutting-edge hardware and software.
- Mission-driven culture with meaningful real-world impact.
- Supportive and diverse workplace.