Senior Thermal Engineer Verified today

The Role

The Senior Thermal Engineer for Voyager Lunar Systems designs, builds, tests, and operates thermal control systems for spacecraft including lunar landers and surface power systems. You will report to the Propulsion and Thermal Systems Manager within the Engineering Department in Pittsburgh, PA.

What You'll Do

• Lead and support the design, integration, testing, and operation of thermal control systems for spacecraft, lunar landers, lunar surface power, lunar rovers, and other space systems
• Create conceptual and detailed designs of spacecraft thermal systems accounting for orbital trajectories, mission concept-of-operations, lander architecture, and thermal control system function
• Build and run thermal models to guide spacecraft mission operations and inform the design of thermal control systems and related components
• Perform supplier management support including developing specifications for vendor supplied components, providing technical review of manufacturing processes, and assuring requirements are met via test and/or analysis
• Coordinate with program management, systems engineering, and other spacecraft subsystems to assess requirements, design progress, schedule, and risks
• Create integration instructions and provide support during spacecraft assembly in the cleanroom
• Write test plans and support TVAC (thermal vacuum chamber) testing for components, subsystems, and the entire spacecraft
• Write mission operations procedures and provide real time mission operations support

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or similar Engineering with 8 years of experience in spacecraft thermal systems, OR a Master's Degree with 6 years of related experience
• Knowledge of spacecraft thermal system architecture, standards, best practices, components, and suppliers
• Experience designing or analyzing thermal control system components such as heaters, sensors, radiators, multi-layer insulation (MLI), coatings, heat pipes, and related hardware
• Experience with specification, vendor management, and requirements verification for thermal control system components
• Experience using fluid-thermal system design and analysis software (Thermal Desktop, Ansys Thermal, or Amesim preferred) to perform thermal control system trade studies
• Experience with TVAC (thermal vacuum chamber) testing of space hardware including test plans, test operations, and/or data processing and test reports
• Effective verbal and written communication, including reports and technical presentations

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing, building, and testing active thermal control systems using pumped fluid loops
• Proven capability to take a concept from initial idea to final product
• Proficient in CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and lifecycle management tools
• Systems engineering experience with the ability to navigate and coordinate complex interactions with other sub-systems to lead to the best overall mission

Additional Requirements

• ITAR access required
• Occasional travel with stays up to one week when on-site support is required
• Ability to lift, move or carry items or equipment up to 25 pounds

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off (FTO)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with significant company premium contributions
• Flexible gym memberships with 12,700+ nationwide options
• 401(k) retirement plan with 50% company match on contributions up to 8%
• Company wellness programs
• Relocation assistance provided for qualified candidates moving to Pittsburgh, PA