Senior Thermal Engineer

At Turion Space, we’re building spacecraft to secure Earth and expand humanity’s reach beyond it.
We are seeking a Senior Thermal Engineer to lead the design, analyze, test, and implementation of satellite systems. You will work closely with the Turion Space team across software and hardware systems to maximize satellite capabilities. Your creativity, experience, and ambition will directly impact the architecture of the vehicle’s systems as the missions increase in complexity.
This is a full-time, exempt position based on-site at our Irvine, California headquarters.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead thermal design of hardware, from initial high-level layout and analysis down to validation of performance with ground tests

• Consult with other disciplines as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Thermal Analysis

• Provide ongoing mentorship to junior engineers

• Automate workflow to reduce engineering investment in the design cycle

• Build and control system-level thermal models

• Execute thermal design trades to maximize satellite mission performance

• Select in-house testing equipment and external testing facilities

• Design and execute TVAC testing, including thermal balances

• Perform hand-calculations and compare results against model outputs

• Pursue operational simplicity

• Produce quality documentation of your work to reduce miss-rate and improve efficiency

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

• 5+ years of experience in the Space industry as a Thermal Engineer

• Expertise with Thermal Desktop

• Proficiency performing hand calculations

• Experience with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred)

• Must be able to obtain Secret and/or TS/SCI clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

• Experience guiding junior engineers and providing constructive feedback

• A passion for working in small, fast-moving teams

Senior Thermal Engineer Salary: $150,000 - $200,000 USD

ITAR Requirements:

This position may include access to technology and/or software source code that is subject to U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Benefits:
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional growth of our employees. In addition to a competitive base salary and company stock, determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, and market demand, full-time employees are eligible for:

• Equity: Receive equity in Turion Space, letting you benefit from the company's success

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents.

• Retirement Plans: Access to a 401(k) plan with a 3% Employer Direct Contribution to help you plan for your future.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation days, personal days, sick days, and holidays to ensure you have time to recharge.

• Parental Leave: Paid parental leave following the birth of a newborn or adoption.

• Emotional Wellbeing: A no-cost Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support you and your household’s emotional health and wellbeing.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for ongoing internal training, workshops, and courses to advance your skills and career growth.

• Team Building Activities: Regular social events, team outings, and company-sponsored activities to foster a positive work environment.

We are dedicated to providing a supportive and enriching environment for our team members, recognizing that our collective success is built upon the well-being and satisfaction of each individual.

Turion Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Turion Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.