Thermal Engineer

YOUR MISSION 

True Anomaly is looking for a creative Thermal Engineer to develop new spacecraft. In this role you will be work with a multi-disciplinary product team to rapidly develop and produce new space systems.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the design, analysis, and validation of thermal control systems for spacecraft, ensuring optimal performance across all mission phases. 
• Develop detailed thermal models using tools such as Thermal Desktop, ESATAN, or similar software to predict and manage spacecraft thermal behavior. 
• Perform integrated thermal analysis to determine heater/radiator sizing and external coatings required to maintain all elements of the SV in thermal limits  
• Perform thermal detailed analysis over variety of design reference missions (DRM’s)  
• Design and help develop detail piece part and assembly drawings for heaters, MLI, and other thermal control components  
• Assist with electronic thermal predictions and board level analysis  
• Collaborate with mechanical, systems, and electrical engineers to integrate thermal control solutions into spacecraft designs. 
• Define and oversee thermal testing campaigns, including thermal vacuum, thermal cycling, and heater performance tests, to validate design assumptions and correlate models with test data. 
• Support on orbit operations  
• Perform trade studies to evaluate different thermal design approaches and optimize for weight, cost, and performance. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, with training in analysis of structures and fluids  
• 5+ years of professional experience in space thermal analysis and control  
• Demonstrated excellence in thermal vacuum testing, analysis and model correlation  
• Thermal experience with spacecraft subcomponents such as optical payloads, mechanisms, structures, etc.   
• Proficiency in tools such as Thermal Desktop and Solidworks  
• Passion for the space industry  
• Ability to lead projects, manage schedules, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment. 
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously with little input on requirements or management oversight  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills  

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in aerospace  
• Hands-on experience with thermal testing and instrumentation, such as thermocouples, heaters, and data acquisition systems. 
• Experience with spacecraft-specific thermal challenges, such as passive cooling for deep-space missions or active thermal management for high-power systems. 
• Familiarity with advanced thermal technologies, including phase-change materials, loop heat pipes, and thermoelectric coolers. 
• Strong understanding of spacecraft mission profiles and their impact on thermal system design, such as eclipse periods and orbital heating. 
• Proven ability to innovate in thermal control systems for weight, cost, and power optimization. 
• Experience working in a startup or similarly fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment. 

COMPENSATION

• California Base Salary: $120,000-$145,000
• Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave 

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance 
• Work Location—this role will be remote until we open our LA factory in early 2025 and then transition to an onsite role.
• Work environment—is in a standard office, working at a desk or in a production factory.
• Physical demands—may include frequent standing, sitting, walking, bending, and lifting or carrying items up to 20lbs.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsite