Thermal Analysis Engineer

Lanteris Space Systems is currently seeking a Thermal Analyst to join our Thermal Engineering team in Palo Alto, CA. In this role, you will work closely with our Thermal Engineering team to develop spacecraft thermal solutions for all phases of the spacecraft life cycle: proposal, design, assembly, ground testing including thermal vacuum testing, launch, and on‑orbit operations. Your focus will be on thermal analysis of spacecraft using Thermal Desktop, with collaboration with other spacecraft subsystems and disciplines including propulsion, power, avionics, attitude control, structural/mechanical, RF communications, and orbital dynamics.

• Develop and refine finite difference/element thermal models of entire spacecraft and lower-level assemblies/components using Thermal Desktop software.
• Correlate thermal models with ground test and on‑orbit data.
• Prepare detailed technical reports of work performed and present to small groups of co‑workers.
• Support and conduct spacecraft level and assembly level thermal vacuum testing.
• Define requirements for flight and ground test thermal hardware such as heaters, temperature sensors, heat pipes, and multilayer insulation.
• Leverage radiative and conductive heat transfer fundamentals to perform back‑of‑the‑envelope calculations to complement and sanity‑check complex thermal models.
• Gather inputs for and perform design trades which assess cost, manufacturability, schedule, and reliability impacts of different technical solutions.
• Assist Lead Thermal Engineers in defining and interpreting requirements.
• Manage ambiguity by understanding and accounting for analysis uncertainty including but not limited to parameter sensitivity studies.
• Participate in thermal R&D projects at the forefront of space‑based thermal technology.
• Support quick turnaround work for proposals in the nascent phase of design.
• Contribute to continuous improvement (CI) projects.
• Ensure all inputs are understood and clearly communicate requirements and analysis outputs.

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• BS in mechanical/aerospace engineering or related discipline. Four additional years of experience may be substituted for a degree. 2 years of relevant experience. A master's degree may account for two years of experience.
• Ability to accommodate day, swing and/or grave shifts as well as weekend/holiday shifts during TVAC testing campaigns (generally 2-3 times per year with durations of ~30 days each).
• Thermal Desktop experience.
• College coursework in heat transfer, especially radiative heat transfer, and numerical methods.
• Familiarity with spacecraft thermal design.
• Creo experience.
• Effective verbal and written communication, organization, project/time management, attention to detail, and leadership skills.
• Interest in thermal engineering and/or space systems.

The base pay for this position within California is: $94,000.00 - $ annually.

We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, health and welfare insurance, and 401(k) to eligible employees.

Lanteris Space Systems values diversity in the workplace and is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. We comply with disability laws and make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.