Thermal Engineer

Location

Ashburn, VA

Full time

On-site

Engineering

Overview Energy is a mission-driven team committed to delivering space-based solar power to the world. We operate at the intersection of space and clean energy, providing continuous baseload power 24/7 without seasonality or the need for batteries. Headquartered in the Northern Virginia / Washington, DC area, backed by world-class investors, and operating in stealth mode, we are advancing the next generation of clean energy technology.

The Mechanical Thermal Engineer will serve as a technical lead responsible for the thermal design, analysis, and testing of spacecraft systems operating in harsh space and ground environments. This role involves developing spacecraft thermal system configurations, performing analyses, supporting testing, and contributing to flight operations. You will work across multidisciplinary teams to create optimal system designs, incorporating thermal control solutions that maintain component temperatures within operating and survival limits.

The ideal candidate will be innovative, possess deep expertise in aerospace thermal engineering, and demonstrate the curiosity and initiative to challenge existing approaches.

• Perform spacecraft thermal design and analyses at the board, component, subsystem, and system levels

• Develop spacecraft and subsystem thermal models to predict thermal loads, temperature gradients, and margins for system design

• Lead thermal design and development activities for space-based environments and payload-level integration

• Create and evaluate design concepts using thermal analysis and FEA tools such as Thermal Desktop, ANSYS, or equivalent

• Design passive and active thermal control systems, including heat pipes, radiators, thermal blankets, coatings, heater tapes, and thermistors

• Conduct thermal design and analysis for complex mechanical hardware, including precision mechanisms, electromechanical devices, and electronics packaging

• Support the design, fabrication, and installation of Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) blankets

• Lead and participate in environmental test campaigns, including thermal vacuum testing and thermal balance testing

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field

• 6–10 years of hands‑on experience in thermal engineering for spacecraft or aerospace systems

• Strong background in heat transfer and thermodynamics

• Experience supporting spacecraft flight programs through environmental testing and launch campaigns

• Knowledge of passive and active thermal control hardware design and implementation

• Understanding of thermal constraints and design requirements in space environments

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data clearly

• Proven ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams

• Adaptability and resourcefulness in a fast-paced, dynamic development environment

• U.S. citizenship required

• Master’s or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline

• Familiarity with mission‑level thermal design trade studies and system optimization

• Experience developing or maintaining thermal analysis automation scripts (e.g., MATLAB, Python)

• Prior experience in a startup or early‑stage aerospace company environment

• Experience mentoring engineers and building thermal analysis best practices within a growing team

The health and safety of our employees and their families comes first. In addition to competitive salary and equity, we offer medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage, a health and wellness stipend, 6 weeks of paid time off, parental leave, and employer 401K matching. The Company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits at any time.

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C.…