The Aerospace Corporation
In an era of dynamic change, Aerospace is addressing the most complex challenges in space.
Hybrid

Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

Sorry, this job was removed at 11:40 a.m. (CST) on Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Find out who's hiring in Los Angeles, CA.
See all Developer + Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA
Apply
By clicking Apply Now you agree to share your profile information with the hiring company.

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

 

At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.

 

 

Job Summary

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; orbital mechanics; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

 

The mission of the Thermal Control Department is to develop, apply, and communicate thermal engineering expertise for spacecraft, payloads, and related systems to inform and enable key customer decisions. The Thermal Control Department consists of a team of experienced, trusted engineers with deep expertise in the design and analysis of spacecraft thermal control systems from component to system level. The department performs technical studies, experimental investigations, and real-time assessments to support key decisions by our customers and their contractors. This position requires a strong background in the disciplines of heat transfer and thermal engineering and their applications to space systems; and direct experience in thermal design and control of spacecraft. This is a full-time position based in either El Segundo, CA, Houston, TX or at our Chantilly, VA location.

 

What You’ll Be Doing

Provide engineering expertise in the areas of thermal control systems for satellites and other spacecraft / space vehicles and payloads:

  • Lead and conduct analysis, modeling, simulation, and assessments of designs and design concepts relating to spacecraft thermal control systems and their components.

  • Lead and conduct experimental investigations including thermal design, thermal control systems integration, thermal environmental testing, thermal model correlation, data reduction and visualization, and engineering application of results.

  • Participate in and review integration, test, and flight operations relating to spacecraft thermal control systems and their components.

  • Interact with program offices to identify and resolve design, acceptance and performance issues relating to space vehicle thermal control subsystems.

  • Provide timely and technically accurate reports to management and customers.

  • Travel to government and contractor facilities in support of design reviews, readiness reviews, technical audits, failure investigations, technical interchange meetings, launch support activities, and hardware acceptance reviews.

  • Lead and participate in the broader thermal technology community through conferences, concept development, and technical interaction with other leaders in the field. Identify significant technological developments that can contribute to the success of space projects.

 

Demonstrate expert knowledge in any one or more of the following:

  • Spacecraft thermal control hardware including heat pipes, radiators, pumped fluid loops, phase change materials, heaters, temperature sensors, thermostats, thermal blankets, phase change materials, and thermal switches.

  • Integration of visible or infrared sensors with cryogenic cooling systems such as mechanical refrigeration, cryoradiators, expendable coolants, and thermal storage devices.

  • Analysis of heat transfer in practice and theory, such as software, algorithms, or codes, analytical and/or numerical formulations, and related engineering topics such as thermodynamics, single- and multiphase flow, and energy systems.

  • Interdisciplinary engineering analysis such as Structural-Thermal-Optical-Performance (STOP) analysis, thermo-structural / thermal distortion analysis, thermal analysis of RF microwave systems, power-thermal energy system optimization, and contamination analysis.

  • Environmental testing practice and theory, including design and test margin philosophy, statistical analysis, a deep working knowledge of spacecraft or launch vehicle environmental test standards, and thermal model validation and correlation to test data.

 

Provide section- or department-level technical leadership in two or more of the following areas:

  • Lead and coordinate teams of 2 or more people (including self) in at least one project or program on a sustained basis.

  • Plan and coordinate department efforts in knowledge management of at least one specific technical expertise area, including mentoring/teaching less experienced staff.

  • Plan and coordinate at least one department engagement activity in the broader thermal technology community.

 

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

  • B.S. in mechanical or aerospace engineering or closely related field with emphasis in heat transfer or thermal sciences.

  • Typically 10 years direct spacecraft thermal engineering experience.

  • Position requires a thorough background in all modes of heat transfer, thermodynamics, thermal sciences, thermal engineering, and two-phase thermophysics.

  • Effective interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations.

  • This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the US government. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

 

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

  • Advanced degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or closely related field with emphasis in heat transfer or thermal sciences

  • Graduate-level academic coursework in conduction heat transfer, radiation heat transfer, numerical methods, and two-phase thermophysics

  • Research and/or laboratory experience in cryogenics, visible and infrared sensor systems, heat pipe technology, thermal blankets, and spacecraft thermal modeling

  • Direct experience in developing/reviewing thermal engineering requirements, thermal integration and test plans/procedures

  • Patents and publications in applicable industry journals and/or conferences

  • Active DoD Secret or Top Secret security clearance is preferred

  • Active TS/SCI clearance is highly preferred

  • Hands-on experience with Thermal Desktop ® and/or SINDA software

 

 

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
  • Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
  • 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
  • Relocation assistance
  • Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
  • Education assistance programs
  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

 

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

See More
Apply Now
By clicking Apply Now you agree to share your profile information with the hiring company.

What are The Aerospace Corporation Perks + Benefits

The Aerospace Corporation Benefits Overview

We work in a collaborative and inclusive environment with strong values focused on our mission, innovation, and people. We offer a comprehensive total rewards portfolio with a wide array of employee programs and services. From flexible work schedules to a 401k plan that's top of the industry, we provide the support you need to be your best self at work and at home.

Culture
Volunteer in local community
Aerospace conducts a variety of mentoring programs and community efforts, including STEM tours and partnering with colleagues in education, industry, and government.
Partners with nonprofits
Aerospace Cares offers opportunities for employees to volunteer their time or donate to the charity of their choice.
Open door policy
OKR operational model
Team based strategic planning
Flexible work schedule
Full-time employees can work either a standard eight-hour day or a 9/80 schedule with alternate Fridays off.
Remote work program
Aerospace offers complete and partial remote work for qualified positions.
Diversity
Documented equal pay policy
Dedicated diversity and inclusion staff
Highly diverse management team
With half our board being women or people of color, Aerospace is committed to a continuously more diverse and inclusive workforce.
Mandated unconscious bias training
Mean gender pay gap below 10%
Diversity employee resource groups
Aerospace ERGs were established to bring cultural awareness, enhance career development opportunities, and promote diversity. We currently have 8 ERGs.
Hiring practices that promote diversity
Health Insurance & Wellness Benefits
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses.
Disability insurance
Company-paid short and long-term coverage; optional supplemental employee paid, long-term disability coverage available.
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Company-paid basic and occupational accident; optional supplemental employee-paid life and accident.
Pet insurance
Wellness programs
Team workouts
Mental health benefits
You and your household members are eligible for up to 5 free visits for each personal situation.
Financial & Retirement
401(K)
Employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire.
401(K) matching
Employees receive a total company paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions.
Performance bonus
Charitable contribution matching
Child Care & Parental Leave Benefits
Childcare benefits
Aerospace provides backup child care assistance as well as daycare discount programs.
Generous parental leave
Four weeks of company-paid leave when taken within the first twelve months of the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child.
Family medical leave
Adoption Assistance
Employees who adopt are eligible for the same 4 weeks of paid parental leave that employees who birth a child or have a foster placement get.
Return-to-work program post parental leave
Company sponsored family events
Vacation & Time Off Benefits
Generous PTO
Aerospace employees receive between 15 and 20 days per year of paid time off based on years of service.
Paid holidays
Paid sick days
Full-time exempt employees receive unlimited sick time.
Office Perks
Commuter benefits
Aerospace has a commuter vanpool program, designated carpool parking, ride-matching services, bicycle commuting support, EV chargers, and public transportation reimbursement.
Company-sponsored happy hours
Happy hours are hosted at their team's discretion, but most teams go once a month.
Onsite office parking
We offer employees free on-site garage and non-garage parking.
Recreational clubs
Relocation assistance
Home-office stipend for remote employees
Onsite gym
Professional Development Benefits
Job training & conferences
Aerospace offers employees professional development opportunities like onsite training courses and the ability to attend job related conferences and seminars.
Tuition reimbursement
Lunch and learns
Promote from within
Mentorship program
Continuing education stipend
Continuing education available during work hours
When you attend any of the company hosted learning sessions, you are paid for those hours spent in class. Aerospace encourages employees to expand their skills by taking these courses.
Online course subscriptions available
Customized development tracks
Paid industry certifications

More Jobs at The Aerospace Corporation

Apply Now
By clicking Apply Now you agree to share your profile information with the hiring company.
Learn more about The Aerospace CorporationFind similar jobs like this