Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation

. Support classified and unclassified spacecraft programs, with emphasis on classified systems .

Posted 11/5/2026full-timeUnited StatesJunior💰 $86,600 - $150,400 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in thermal engineering, particularly in spacecraft thermal control systems, with a strong focus on heat transfer and thermal sciences. Proven ability to lead teams in analysis, design, and testing of thermal subsystems while engaging with internal and external stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Thermal Engineering ExperienceThermal Control Systems DesignSINDA/FLUINT Software ProficiencyTS/SCI Security ClearanceTeam Leadership in Thermal Engineering

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Thermal AnalysisHeat TransferThermal Control HardwareModeling and SimulationEnvironmental TestingThermal Vacuum TestingThermal Cycle TestingScripting LanguagesSolidWorksPython

Soft Skills

Customer EngagementProblem SolvingCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

Thermal DesktopTSSEESSpaceClaimCAMEO

Certifications & Qualifications

TS/SCI Security ClearanceU.S. Citizenship

Industry Keywords

Spacecraft ProgramsThermal Systems EngineeringCryogenicsTwo-Phase ThermophysicsThermodynamicsIntegrated-Team EffortsSpaceflight Hardware

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonTypeScript

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support classified and unclassified spacecraft programs, with emphasis on classified systems
Engage internal and external customers to identify, track, and resolve design, workmanship, and performance issues relating to space vehicle and payload thermal control subsystems
Serve as the thermal subject matter expert for spacecraft and payload thermal control systems
Lead and conduct analysis, modeling, simulation, experimental investigations, and design assessments
Participate in and review thermal subsystem requirements, allocations, design, integration, test, and flight operations
Curate department knowledge and capabilities in thermal systems engineering, thermal analysis and design, and thermal control hardware
Provide thermal engineering technical leadership to teams of 2 or more people
Support programs, inter-department projects, and broad engagement efforts
Work with internal program offices representing defense and civil agencies, including the U.S. Space Force, NRO, and NASA

Requirements

What you’ll need

B.S. degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or closely related field with emphasis in heat transfer or thermal sciences
1 or more years thermal engineering experience
Experience with the design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, and operation of spacecraft thermal control systems for all relevant modes of heat transfer, both active and passive, and through multiple phases of program lifecycle
Experience with SINDA/FLUINT and Thermal Desktop software; other applicable software include TSS, EES, SolidWorks, SpaceClaim, CAMEO, and scripting languages such as FORTRAN and Python
Experience with thermal vacuum (TVAC), thermal cycle, and other environmental test programs
Willingness to travel occasionally to customer or contractor facilities approximately 10% time
Must maintain a TS/SCI security clearance
U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance
Senior Member minimum: 4+ years thermal engineering experience
Senior Member minimum: Experience providing thermal engineering support at a system level for at least 1 spacecraft program, encompassing at least two major phases
Senior Member minimum: Experience participating in integrated-team thermal engineering efforts involving 2 or more people
Preferred: M.S. or Ph.D. in mechanical or aerospace engineering or closely related field with emphasis in heat transfer or thermal sciences
Preferred: 4+ years direct spacecraft thermal engineering experience
Knowledge of cryogenics, two-phase thermophysics and heat pipes, or thermodynamics
Experience in adjacent engineering disciplines for spaceflight hardware
Demonstrated ability to conduct and lead research and development tasks
Preferred: Current and active Secret or higher security clearance

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
Flexible spending accounts
Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
Relocation assistance
Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
Education assistance programs
An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect