Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation•El Segundo, CA

17h

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 (Engineering Specialist - 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.

Requirements

6 years or more of thermal engineering experience
Experience providing thermal engineering support at a system level for at least 2 different spacecraft programs, encompassing at least two major phases (e.g., Architecture, Design, Manufacturing, Test, Flight) for each program
Experience leading 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
Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance, which is issued by the US government. US citizenship is required

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
10+ years direct spacecraft thermal engineering experience
Deep knowledge of cryogenics, two-phase thermophysics, 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
Current and active TS/SCI clearance (SSBI)

Responsibilities

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, curating 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

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