Thermal Engineer

Summary

Join True Anomaly, a company building innovative space technology, as a creative Thermal Engineer. You will lead thermal control system design, analysis, and validation for spacecraft, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team. This role involves developing thermal models, performing integrated analysis, designing components, overseeing testing, and supporting on-orbit operations. You will need a Bachelor's degree in a related field, 5+ years of experience in space thermal analysis, and proficiency in relevant software. The position offers a competitive salary, equity, and benefits including health, dental, vision, PTO, 401k, and parental leave. The role will initially be remote, transitioning to an onsite position in Los Angeles in early 2025.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with training in analysis of structures and fluids
• 5+ years of professional experience in space thermal analysis and control
• Demonstrated excellence in thermal vacuum testing, analysis and model correlation
• Thermal experience with spacecraft subcomponents such as optical payloads, mechanisms, structures, etc
• Proficiency in tools such as Thermal Desktop and Solidworks
• Passion for the space industry
• Ability to lead projects, manage schedules, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously with little input on requirements or management oversight
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance
• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you 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 the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis, and validation of thermal control systems for spacecraft, ensuring optimal performance across all mission phases
• Develop detailed thermal models using tools such as Thermal Desktop, ESATAN, or similar software to predict and manage spacecraft thermal behavior
• Perform integrated thermal analysis to determine heater/radiator sizing and external coatings required to maintain all elements of the SV in thermal limits
• Perform thermal detailed analysis over variety of design reference missions (DRM’s)
• Design and help develop detail piece part and assembly drawings for heaters, MLI, and other thermal control components
• Assist with electronic thermal predictions and board level analysis
• Collaborate with mechanical, systems, and electrical engineers to integrate thermal control solutions into spacecraft designs
• Define and oversee thermal testing campaigns, including thermal vacuum, thermal cycling, and heater performance tests, to validate design assumptions and correlate models with test data
• Support on orbit operations
• Perform trade studies to evaluate different thermal design approaches and optimize for weight, cost, and performance

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in aerospace
• Hands-on experience with thermal testing and instrumentation, such as thermocouples, heaters, and data acquisition systems
• Experience with spacecraft-specific thermal challenges, such as passive cooling for deep-space missions or active thermal management for high-power systems
• Familiarity with advanced thermal technologies, including phase-change materials, loop heat pipes, and thermoelectric coolers
• Strong understanding of spacecraft mission profiles and their impact on thermal system design, such as eclipse periods and orbital heating
• Proven ability to innovate in thermal control systems for weight, cost, and power optimization
• Experience working in a startup or similarly fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment

Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision
• HRA/HSA options
• PTO and paid holidays
• 401K
• Parental Leave
• Equity