Thermal Engineer

York Spaces Systems • Greenwood Village, CO

1d

About The Position

York is seeking a Thermal Engineer specializing in thermal design and analysis to ensure satellite components remain within temperature limits throughout a mission lifecycle. The role uses on-orbit data to refine future mission designs and develops empirical tools to support similar system designs. The engineer works with hardware developers, suppliers, contractors, engineering teams, programs, and customers to develop, integrate, verify, and improve spacecraft thermal designs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in spacecraft thermal engineering or a closely related field, with demonstrated expertise in thermal analysis, component design, or thermal testing.
• Experience with Thermal Desktop is strongly preferred; the role requires the ability to perform thermal analysis, model thermal environments, and optimize spacecraft design using the software.
• Understanding of heat transfer principles, thermodynamics, and their applications in spacecraft systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to convey design decisions, analysis conclusions, and recommendations across departments.
• Experience with configuration control, design release lifecycle, and product lifecycle management.
• Ability to initiate work in a team environment and work independently.
• Possession of a U.S. government security clearance, or ability and desire to obtain one.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree.
• Experience with integrated spacecraft software/hardware verification and testing.
• Familiarity with the spacecraft development lifecycle, from initial concept through final mission execution in orbit.

Responsibilities

• Perform thermal analyses to determine radiator and heater sizing, select external coatings, and ensure spacecraft components remain within thermal limits.
• Collaborate with hardware developers to select materials, processes, and testing protocols that satisfy thermal design specifications.
• Establish and manage thermal interfaces among spacecraft subsystems to ensure compatibility and functional integration.
• Communicate and enforce thermal interface and environmental requirements with suppliers and contractors.
• Design and implement test and verification plans for thermal validation, including appropriate verification levels for spacecraft components.
• Coordinate with engineering teams on clean-sheet designs and design improvements.
• Interface with programs and the end customer regarding high-level and detailed design needs and requirements.
• Check and collaborate on peer work to promote best practices across team products.
• Use on-orbit data to refine future mission designs and develop empirical tools to support similar system designs.

What This Job Offers

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