Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

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 Thermal Control Department is 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 inform and enable key decisions by our customers and their contractors.
As the Spacecraft Thermal Engineer (Engineering Specialist / Senior Engineering Specialist - Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering), you should have 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. S/He will support both classified and unclassified spacecraft programs with emphasis on classified systems. The successful applicant will engage and advocate for the best solutions, best practices, and best innovations for critical thermal control issues across the enterprise, both inside and outside the organization.
Work Model
This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA, offering a hybrid work model that combines (4) regular onsite workdays and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.
What You'll Be Doing

• Key customers are internal program offices representing defense and civil agencies, such as the U.S. Space Force, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and others.
• You will engage with impact with these internal and external customers to identify, track, and resolve design, workmanship, and performance issues relating to space vehicle and payload thermal control subsystems.
• You will deliver results as the thermal subject matter expert in thermal control systems for spacecraft and payloads. Lead and conduct analysis, modeling, simulation, experimental investigations, and assessments of designs and design concepts relating to spacecraft thermal control systems and their components. Participate in and review thermal subsystem requirements, allocations, design, integration, test, and flight operations.
• You will operate strategically, curating department knowledge and capabilities in thermal systems engineering, thermal analysis and design, and/or thermal control hardware.
• You will provide thermal engineering technical leadership of teams of 2 or more people in support of programs, inter-department projects, and broad engagement efforts.

What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements for the Engineering Specialist - Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering include:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or closely related field with emphasis in heat transfer or thermal sciences is required
• A minimum of (8) years thermal engineering experience is required
• Experience with the design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, and operation of spacecraft thermal control systems for all relevant modes of heat transfer, both active and passive, and through all phases of program lifecycle
• Experience with SINDA/FLUINT and Thermal Desktop software; other applicable software includes TSS, EES, SolidWorks, SpaceClaim, CAMEO, and scripting languages such as FORTRAN and Python
• Experience with thermal vacuum (TVAC), thermal cycle, and other environmental test programs
• Demonstrated initiative and excellent leadership skills, with proven ability to build and manage effective engineering teams of (2) or more people with delivery of expected results
• Willingness to occasionally travel to customer or contractor facilities approximately 10% time
• This position requires a current and active Secret security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. The ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance will be required (applicant will be submitted for this clearance upon hiring if they do not currently possess it). U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

In addition to the above, the minimum requirements for the Senior Engineering Specialist - Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering include:

• (12)+ years thermal engineering experience is preferred
• Have provided thermal engineering support at a system level for at least 3 different spacecraft programs, encompassing at least two major phases (e.g., Architecture, Design, Manufacturing, Test, Flight) for each program
• Experience leading integrated-team thermal engineering efforts: innovation projects, concurrent engineering, digital engineering, vehicle-level thermal design, hosted or multiple-payload missions, anomaly and root-cause investigation involving 3 or more people

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 is preferred
• (15)+ years direct spacecraft thermal engineering experience is highly desirable
• Deep knowledge of cryogenics, two-phase thermophysics, or thermodynamics is strongly preferred
• Experience in adjacent engineering disciplines for spaceflight hardware: systems engineering, control systems, fluid or propulsion systems, power systems, flight software and telemetry systems, integration and test is preferred
• Current and active TS/SCI clearance (SSBI), which is issued by the U.S. government, is strongly preferred. U.S citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Max)
$117,300 - $226,900
Pay Basis: Annual
Leadership Competencies
Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

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.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at [email protected]. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.