Thermal Engineer II

Salary $95,000-110,000

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 an experienced Thermal Engineer II who specializes in thermal design and analysis to ensure all satellite components remain within their temperature limits throughout a mission's life cycle. This role is ideal for candidates passionate about using on-orbit data to refine future mission designs and capable of developing empirical tools to support similar system designs.

Responsibilities:

• Perform comprehensive thermal analyses to determine radiator and heater sizing, select appropriate external coatings, and ensure all spacecraft components remain within thermal limits.
• Collaborate with hardware developers to select materials, processes, and testing protocols that meet thermal design specifications.
• Establish and manage thermal interfaces among various spacecraft subsystems to ensure compatibility and functional integration.
• Communicate and enforce thermal interface and environmental requirements to suppliers and contractors for component compliance.
• Design and implement test and verification plans for thermal validation, establishing proper verification levels for spacecraft components.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 2+ years 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 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.
• Familiarity with heat transfer principles, thermodynamics, and their applications in spacecraft systems.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively within cross-functional teams and communicate complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Ability to convey design decisions, analysis conclusions, and recommendations meaningfully across departments.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance if required for certain projects.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with integrated software/hardware verification and testing for spacecraft is a plus.
  • Familiarity with the entire spacecraft development lifecycle, from initial concept through final mission execution in orbit.