Thermal Engineer

Space Kinetic is a dual‑use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations – one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low‑cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. Our goal is to move away from one‑to‑one space architectures, unlocking a “one‑to‑many” system where each satellite can deploy a large number of payloads from its host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster.

This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40‑hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first‑of‑its‑kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space.

• Design and analyze thermal hardware (MLI blankets, heaters, venting, heat pipes, sensors, etc.).
• Collaborate with mechanical teams to develop passive and active thermal control hardware for the system, including radiators, heaters, heat pipes and surface coatings.
• Create technical documents: drawings, analysis reports, test plans, test procedures, test reports and presentations for reviews and document management.
• Plan, execute and document TVAC and thermal cycling tests.
• Conduct developmental testing of thermal interfaces and material characterization.
• Create and maintain a material database.
• Work closely with Structures, Electrical, GNC, Propulsion and System Engineering functional teams.
• Map temperatures on structural finite element models.
• Interface with Manufacturing and Production to monitor component fabrication progress.
• Interface with Integration and Test group to monitor component integration and testing.
• Compile comprehensive parts lists using BOMs, engineering drawings, online databases and data from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Validate and verify design through analysis and test (V&V).

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field with 1–2 years of experience; advanced degrees are highly valued and reduce required experience.
• Experience in thermal design of satellite components from high‑level analysis to ground and orbital test validation.
• Ability to devise, build and run tests to validate hardware performance in extreme conditions.
• Use of lab tools and equipment.
• Experience with space thermal analysis software such as ANSYS Thermal Desktop, Sinda/Fluint, Rad Cad, Siemens Space Systems Thermal or similar.
• Understanding of orbital thermal environments.
• Experience designing and acquiring MLI blankets or similar spacecraft hardware.
• Experience in spacecraft integration and testing.
• Proficiency in CAD software (Solid Works, CREO, AutoCAD).
• Basic MATLAB/Python knowledge.
• Ability to correlate thermal models with test data.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
• Work autonomously, learn quickly, possess strong analytical, creative and innovative thinking, diligence, calm under pressure, follow‑through, enthusiasm for motivating others, openness to feedback and effective written communication.
• Eligibility under U.S. Government export regulations (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee, or ability to obtain required authorizations).

• Prior experience with spacecraft design.
• Experience on a launch vehicle or satellite development effort.
• Experience in a startup or agile development environment.
• Passion for the commercial and government space industry.

The position is onsite at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.

• Competitive base salary plus equity‑based compensation.
• Highly competitive PTO and holiday calendar.
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage.

This position is subject to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). To comply, applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.