Principal Thermal Engineer

Overview

Senior Principal Thermal Engineer – Onsite position in El Segundo, CA. Requires U.S. citizenship and a DoD TS/SCI security clearance. The role is focused on conducting detailed thermal analyses for the entire product lifecycle, leading a large team of analysts, and coordinating thermal modeling and testing with customers and government stakeholders.

• Perform hand calculations to establish the scope for higher detail analysis models.
• Conduct detailed thermal analyses using finite element analysis (FEA) software to solve complex program challenges.
• Generate test plans and coordinate validation testing to verify hardware compliance with customer requirements.
• Analyze test data, validate and correlate models, and support all program phases from development to production.
• Lead a team of experienced thermal analysts (>6) on complex problems under program cost and schedule constraints.
• Review work with peers, serve as a subject matter expert in peer reviews, and present results to internal, external, and government customers.
• Document analyses and maintain archival records for future reference.
• Define and refine technical processes, tools, and analysis/test methodologies within the MA&T department.
• Travel to government and other facilities as required to support program activities.

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
• Advanced degree in a related field (Master’s = +2 years, Ph.D. = +5 years).
• Proficiency in thermal analysis tools such as ANSYS, FloTHERM, PATRAN, or Thermal Desktop/SINDA.
• Experience with thermal analysis of electro‑optical sensor systems and classical thermal solutions.
• Strong mechanical engineering principles and independent work ability.
• Demonstrated experience in thermal testing: planning, execution, data reduction, and model correlation.
• Experience leading large analyst teams on major program efforts.
• Deep knowledge of space vehicle payload thermal architectures and influence on early design architecture.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government‑issued TS/SCI security clearance.

• Master’s or advanced degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• 12+ years of professional experience in complex thermal system analysis.
• Experience with Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing and orbital thermal analysis.
• Familiarity with solid modeling CAD tools such as CREO.
• Earned Value Management System (EVMS) knowledge.
• Experience supporting EACs, BOEs, and proposals.
• Experience presenting to external customers.
• ABET accreditation (preferred).

Competitive salary ($118,300 – $224,900), comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) match, tuition assistance, parental and child care, flexible scheduling, and incentive compensation opportunities.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and VERA. Privacy policy and terms of service are available upon request.