Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation • El Segundo, CA

4d • 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; orbital mechanics; 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. We are looking for a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer (Senior Member of the Technical Staff / Member of the Technical Staff - Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering ) with 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. The successful applicant will support both classified and unclassified spacecraft programs with emphasis on classified systems. They 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 Aerospace. This is a full-time position based in Chantilly, VA., or El Segundo, CA., requiring at least 4 days onsite.

Requirements

• 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
• This position will require the individual to maintain a TS/SCI security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government.
• U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• 4+ years thermal engineering experience
• Experience providing thermal engineering support at a system level for at least 1 spacecraft program, encompassing at least two major phases (e.g., Architecture, Design, Manufacturing, Test, Flight) for each program
• Experience participating in integrated-team thermal engineering efforts: innovation projects, concurrent engineering, digital engineering, vehicle-level thermal design, hosted or multiple-payload missions, anomaly and root-cause investigation involving 2 or more people

Nice To Haves

• M.S. or Ph.D. in mechanical or aerospace engineering or closely related field with emphasis in heat transfer or thermal sciences
• 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: systems engineering, control systems, fluid or propulsion systems, power systems, flight software and telemetry systems, integration and test
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and lead research and development tasks
• Current and active Secret or higher security clearance

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• Operate strategically, curating 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, inter-department 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level