Thermal Engineer

A New Paradigm For Space Operations

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. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo, we are focused on creating something entirely different - an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head‑on.

Our goal is to move away from one‑to‑one space architectures - where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus -- and unlock a "one‑to‑many" system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their 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.

• Thermal hardware design, analysis and test (MLI blankets, heaters, venting, heat pipes, sensors, etc...)
• Work with mechanical teams to develop passive and active thermal control hardware for the system including radiators, heaters, heat pipes, surface coatings etc.
• Technical document creation, including drawings, analysis reports, test plans, test procedures, test reports, and presentations for reviews, and document management
• Design, plan, execute and document TVAC and Thermal Cycling tests
• Developmental testing of thermal interfaces and material characterization
• Materials database creation and maintenance
• 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
• Compilation of comprehensive parts lists using information from Bills of Materials (BOMs), engineering drawings, online databases, and data from subcontractors and suppliers
• Design validation and verification (V&V) through analysis and test

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a minimum of 1‑2 years of related experience. Advanced Degrees (Master's or Ph.D.) in similar disciplines are highly valued with correspondingly lower experience requirements.

• Thermal design of satellite components, from initial high‑level analysis down to validation of performance with ground tests and orbital data
• Devise, build and run tests to validate the performance of the hardware in extreme conditions
• Operate and use lab tools and equipment
• Experience using space thermal analysis software similar to ANSYS Thermal Desktop, Sinda/Fluint/Rad Cad, Siemens Space Systems Thermal or similar
• Understanding orbital thermal environments
• Experience designing and acquiring MLI blankets or similar spacecraft hardware
• Experience in spacecraft integration and testing
• Experience in CAD software (Solidworks, CREO, AutoCAD)
• MATLAB/Python basic knowledge
• Correlating thermal models with test data
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Government Security Clearance
• Ability to work with minimal direction or support and to learn quickly; strong analytical skills; creative and innovative thinking; detail‑oriented; calm under pressure; commitment to follow‑through; enthusiastic with a talent for motivating others; receptive to criticism and open to others' ideas; and effective in written communication
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder)

• Prior experience with spacecraft design
• Experience working 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 will be on site at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.

• Competitive Base Salary + Equity-Based Compensation
• Highly Competitive PTO and Holiday Calendar
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Unique Performance-Based Bonus Structu