Senior Thermal Engineer

Salary: $145,000- $165,000
York Space Systems was founded to radically improve spacecraft affordability and reliability, transforming, and enabling next-generation space mission operations worldwide. Today, York is one of the most innovative aerospace companies, specializing in end-to-end customer solutions and the rapid production of spacecraft platforms. York’s complete Space Segment Solution includes spacecraft production, payload integration, system integration & test, launch services, ground segment services, and mission operations, enabling customers to leverage York’s existing technology solutions to get to orbit rapidly and responsively. We’re looking to expand our team across the board.

York Space Systems is searching for a Senior Thermal Engineer with extensive experience across all mission phases, including design, analysis, testing, and operations, particularly for small satellites. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring all satellite components function within specified temperature limits throughout the mission lifecycle. This position requires both hands-on technical expertise and an ability to mentor junior team members, making it ideal for an engineer with aspirations in technical leadership or management. The successful candidate will utilize on-orbit data to refine future designs, develop tools to optimize thermal performance, and bring a passion for innovation and precision to small satellite thermal engineering.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct detailed thermal analysis and simulation to optimize thermal control solutions for small satellite systems, ensuring components remain within operational temperature ranges.
• Define and validate radiator/heater sizing and select external coatings for thermal management across all mission phases.
• Collaborate with hardware developers to recommend appropriate materials, processes, and tests aligned with thermal design and mission requirements.
• Coordinate with subsystem leads to manage thermal interfaces, ensuring proper integration across the spacecraft’s systems.
• Provide thermal requirements and environmental conditions to component suppliers, ensuring compatibility and reliability within the spacecraft's thermal design constraints.
• Develop comprehensive test and verification protocols, including thermal vacuum and thermal balance testing, to validate thermal designs at the component and system levels.
• Utilize on-orbit data to analyze thermal performance, identify areas for improvement, and inform design adjustments for future missions.
• Mentor junior engineers in thermal analysis techniques, test approaches, and thermal verification, fostering a knowledge-sharing culture within the team.
• Lead thermal design reviews, and present findings to cross-functional teams and senior leadership, ensuring clear communication of technical choices and trade-offs.
• Collaborate with project management teams to define project schedules and resource requirements for thermal engineering tasks, ensuring timely and efficient execution.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years in thermal engineering, with a strong background in satellite or space systems. Experience with small satellite (SmallSat) or CubeSat thermal engineering is highly desirable
• In-depth experience with Thermal Desktop is required, as this tool is a core part of the job. Candidates should be able to perform thermal analysis, model thermal environments, and optimize spacecraft design using this software.
• AutoCAD, and other thermal analysis tools; experience with modeling software such as SINDA/FLUINT is a plus.
• Comprehensive knowledge of spacecraft design, including satellite structures, thermal controls, propulsion, power systems, and avionics.
• Demonstrated experience in integrated hardware/software verification and environmental testing, including thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing, thermal cycling, and on-orbit thermal performance assessment.
• Proven ability to lead or mentor teams, especially in a technical or engineering environment, with a strong aptitude for project planning and task prioritization.
• Excellent communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to convey complex technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Must be eligible to obtain a security clearance, and willing to undergo the necessary background checks.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience in a leadership role or supervisory capacity within an engineering team.

BENEFITS

• In addition to compensation, York Space Systems is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance along with PTO and a 401K.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by clicking the “Apply for this position” link below. York Space Systems will be accepting applications on a rolling basis until the position is closed.
York Space Systems provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, military or protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Must have permanent authorization to work in the United States. This policy applies to all terms and conditions or employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. YORK SPACE SYSTEMS IS AN EEO EMPLOYER.