Thermal Engineer II Verified today

About the Role

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space with high-mobility spacecraft platforms that support national security, civil, and commercial missions. We seek a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer to develop, implement, and validate thermal control solutions for our spacecraft platforms.

In this high-impact role, you will take broad responsibility for thermal system performance while working hands-on with integration and testing. You will work closely with a fast-moving team of engineers and scientists to shape the future of in-space systems.

What You Will Do

• Develop high-fidelity spacecraft component thermal models for prediction of on-orbit performance
• Review, refine, and correlate as-built thermal models and vendor-supplied thermal documentation
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering teams to ensure spacecraft designs meet thermal requirements
• Support thermal vacuum (TVAC) test planning, execution, correlation, and troubleshooting
• Develop tools, workflows, and standards within the thermal ecosystem to improve efficiency and repeatability
• Generate simplified models, thermal environments, and interface documentation for suppliers and customers
• Review and approve component and assembly designs for thermal flight readiness
• Produce engineering content and analyses for design reviews, test readiness reviews, and verification reports
• Support integration, test, and launch-site operations for spacecraft thermal performance

Required Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 2+ years of relevant thermal engineering experience (spacecraft strongly preferred)
• Advanced proficiency in Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, or equivalent thermal analysis tools
• Experience with spacecraft flight hardware, integration, and thermal vacuum testing
• Familiarity with NASA, commercial, and industry standards for spacecraft design
• Demonstrated experience correlating thermal models with test data

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Experience with spacecraft operations, thermal limits, and anomaly resolution
• Knowledge of thermal coatings, adhesives, multilayer insulation (MLI), and related materials
• Exposure to electrical component thermal modeling and PCB thermal behavior
• Experience with heat pipes, loop heat pipes, radiators, and advanced thermal hardware
• Understanding of orbital dynamics and thermal environments across varying mission profiles
• Prior experience in a fast-paced startup or NewSpace environment

Compensation and Location

Base Salary: $100,000-140,000

Competitive equity and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, FSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing.

Location: Rockville, MD

Eligibility

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.