Thermal-Fluids and Space Thermal Engineer - Technical Staff

MIT Lincoln Laboratory•Lexington, MA

3d•$145,200 - $220,000

About The Position

The Structural & Thermal-Fluids Engineering Group (74) develops first-of-a-kind prototype systems across underwater, ground, air, and space domains for high-impact national security missions. Engineers work on advanced structural and material systems for space-based imaging and laser communications, thermal management solutions from cryogenic to hypersonic regimes, and aerodynamic design and assessment for unmanned aerial vehicles, airborne pods, and hypersonic platforms. Solutions are realized through the integration of high-fidelity analytical and computational modeling, multidisciplinary simulation, environmental testing, and advanced materials, addressing demanding performance, size, weight, power, and environmental constraints that are at the forefront of current engineering capabilities. The Group offers a collaborative, hands-on environment where engineers pair deep analytical expertise with direct ownership of hardware development, integration, and testing. Engineers are supported in their growth through mentorship and opportunities for increasing technical and programmatic leadership, participation in conferences and professional societies, and direct engagement with mission partners and government sponsors. Group 74 is seeking an engineer with strong expertise in thermal and thermal-fluid systems across multiple mission environments, including space, air, ground, and/or maritime domain. Strong candidates will be able to successfully lead and execute the design, analysis, development, integration, and testing of complex prototypes across concurrent programs. Candidates are expected to apply tools ranging from first-order analytical methods to high-fidelity FEA and CFD to generate actionable engineering insights that directly inform design decisions. Beyond analysis, the role includes hands-on ownership of hardware assembly, integration, and experimental testing (including test planning, execution, and data interpretation). The successful candidate will work within interdisciplinary teams to deliver operational prototype systems, spanning the full life cycle from early concept development through fabrication, test, and field deployment.

Requirements

Ph.D. (or Master’s degree and at least 6 years' experience) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
Experience applying numerical simulation tools (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS, AETD, IcePak) for thermal-fluid systems, such as electronics at the die, component, printed circuit board, and/or system levels
Experience applying numerical simulation tools (specifically Thermal Desktop for spacecraft thermal systems)
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams, including partnering with and influencing program partners who may not have thermal experience.
Demonstrated ability to mentor and lead early career thermal and thermal-fluids engineers in small teams.
Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical results to diverse audiences.
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
U.S. citizenship is required.

Responsibilities

Lead and execute the design, analysis, development, integration, and testing of complex prototypes across concurrent programs.
Apply tools ranging from first-order analytical methods to high-fidelity FEA and CFD to generate actionable engineering insights that directly inform design decisions.
Take hands-on ownership of hardware assembly, integration, and experimental testing (including test planning, execution, and data interpretation).
Work within interdisciplinary teams to deliver operational prototype systems, spanning the full life cycle from early concept development through fabrication, test, and field deployment.
Mentor and lead early career thermal and thermal-fluids engineers in small teams.