Senior Thermal Engineer

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

We are looking to add a Senior Thermal Engineer to our team. In this role you will lead the design, analysis, and verification of thermal systems and hardware for products and platforms. This role contributes to product development by developing thermal solutions, resolving complex technical challenges, and ensuring products achieve thermal performance, reliability, and mission requirements.

Working cross-functionally with mechanical, electrical, systems, manufacturing, test, quality, and program teams, this role supports thermal design, analysis, integration, and verification throughout the product development lifecycle.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop thermal architectures, heat transfer analyses, thermal models, and cooling solutions supporting complex products and customer requirements.
• Evaluate thermal performance using analytical methods and simulation tools while resolving complex thermal design challenges and optimizing product performance.
• Review engineering drawings, technical specifications, and design documentation to validate compliance with thermal and system requirements.
• Lead thermal testing activities by coordinating test planning, instrumentation, thermal characterization, and performance evaluations.
• Evaluate thermal test results, simulation data, and engineering measurements while identifying root causes and implementing corrective design solutions.
• Validate thermal performance through design verification, qualification testing, engineering investigations, and design change activities.
• Lead collaboration with mechanical, electrical, systems, manufacturing, test, quality, and program teams to integrate thermal solutions into product designs.
• Develop engineering analyses, technical reports, design documentation, presentations, and test summaries supporting engineering decisions.
• Participate in design reviews, technical discussions, product development activities, and customer meetings while providing thermal engineering expertise.
• Manage thermal models, engineering calculations, analysis documentation, design records, and configuration-controlled technical data supporting product development.
• Evaluate engineering processes, design methodologies, thermal analyses, and customer requirements while identifying opportunities to improve engineering execution.
• Develop improvements that enhance thermal performance, engineering efficiency, product reliability, manufacturability, and overall design quality.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a related technical field with 5–8 years of related experience, Master's degree in a related field with 3–6 years of related experience, or PhD in a related field with 0–3 years of related experience in aerospace or a similarly regulated industry, including thermal modeling, thermal analysis, engineering hand calculations, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience performing thermal analysis and developing thermal models and engineering hand calculations for aerospace hardware or products in similarly regulated industries.
• Experience performing thermal analysis of electronic components, printed wiring board assemblies (PWBAs), and electronics assemblies.
• Experience using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software to support engineering design and thermal analysis. Experience with SolidWorks and Ansys products is preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, thermal engineering principles, and aerospace thermal control requirements.
• Comprehensive understanding of thermal system architectures, spacecraft operating environments, environmental qualification requirements, and multidisciplinary product development processes.
• Exercises sound judgment when resolving complex thermal engineering challenges, evaluating technical tradeoffs, and guiding engineering decisions that strengthen product reliability and mission performance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Proficiency with finite-difference and thermal network modeling software, particularly Ansys Thermal Desktop, for satellite, spacecraft, and aerospace applications.

• Familiarity with Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) methodologies, including 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams, or equivalent structured problem-solving techniques.

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Proficiency with specialized thermal modeling and analysis tools and methodologies, including:

• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using Ansys Mechanical, Ansys Icepak, or equivalent applications.

• Calculation of effective in-plane and through-plane thermal conductivity and conductance of printed wiring board assemblies (PWBAs).

• JEDEC JESD15-3 two-resistor compact thermal modeling and JESD15-4 DELPHI thermal modeling methodologies.

• Mesh convergence analysis to verify numerical accuracy and model reliability.

• Experience evaluating and selecting Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs), including calculating thermal resistance and assessing interface performance.

• Experience with heat pipe technologies and specialized passive and active cooling components used in aerospace thermal control systems.

• Experience correlating analytical thermal models with hardware test data to validate modeling assumptions and improve simulation accuracy.

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.

CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.