Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space. The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments. The Thermal Control Department is a team of experienced, trusted engineers with deep expertise in the design and analysis of spacecraft thermal control systems from component to system level. The department performs technical studies, experimental investigations, and real - time assessments to inform and enable key decisions by our customers and their contractors. As the Spacecraft Thermal Engineer ( Senior Member of Technical Staff/Engineering Specialist - Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering ) , you should have a strong background in the disciplines of heat transfer and thermal engineering and their applications to space systems; and direct experience in thermal design and control of spacecraft. S/He will support both classified and unclassified spacecraft programs with emphasis on classified systems . The successful applicant will engage and advocate for the best solutions , best practices, and best innovations for critical thermal control issues across the enterprise , both inside and outside the organization. This is a full-time position in El Segundo, CA., or Chantilly, VA., and combining 4 days onsite and one day remote. What You’ll Be Doing Key customers are internal program offices representing defense and civil agencies, such as the U.S. Space Force, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and others. You will engage with impact with these internal and external customers to identify , track, and resolve design, workmanship, and performance issues relating to space vehicle and payload thermal control subsystems. You will deliver results as the thermal subject matter expert in thermal control systems for spacecraft and payloads. Lead and conduct analysis, modeling, simulation, experimental investigations, and assessments of designs and design concepts relating to spacecraft thermal control systems and their components . Participate in and review thermal subsystem requirements, allocations, design, integration, test, and flight operations. You will operate strategically, curat ing department knowledge and capabilities in thermal systems engineering, thermal analysis and design, and/or thermal control hardware. You will provide thermal engineering technical leadership of teams of 2 or more people in support of programs, interdepartmental projects, and broad engagement efforts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or closely related field with emphasis in heat transfer or thermal sciences
Four years thermal engineering experience
Experience with the design, analysis, manufacturing, testing , and operation of space craft thermal control systems for all relevant modes of heat transfer, both active and passive, and through all phases of program lifecycle
Experience with SINDA/FLUINT and Thermal Desktop software; o ther applicable software include s TSS, EES , SolidWorks, SpaceClaim , CAMEO, and scripting languages such as FORTRAN and P ython
Experience with thermal vacuum (TVAC), thermal cycle, and other environmental test programs
Willingness to occasionally travel to customer or contractor facilities approx imately 10% time
Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is to obtain a security clearance.
Six total years of thermal engineering experience
Experience or knowledge o f cryogenics, two-phase thermophysics , or thermodynamics

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or closely related field with emphasis in heat transfer or thermal science s
Experience in adjacent engineering disciplines for spaceflight hardware: systems engineering, control systems, fluid or propulsion systems, power systems, flight software and telemetry systems, integration and test
Current and active Secret or TS/SCI clearance (SSBI) , which is issued by the U.S. government, is strongly preferred. U.S citizenship is to obtain a security clearance.

Responsibilities

Lead and conduct analysis, modeling, simulation, experimental investigations, and assessments of designs and design concepts relating to spacecraft thermal control systems and their components
Participate in and review thermal subsystem requirements, allocations, design, integration, test, and flight operations
Operate strategically, curat ing department knowledge and capabilities in thermal systems engineering, thermal analysis and design, and/or thermal control hardware
Provide thermal engineering technical leadership of teams of 2 or more people in support of programs, interdepartmental projects, and broad engagement efforts

Benefits

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