Thermal Engineer III at Jet Propulsion Laboratory Pasadena, CA

Job Overview

Thermal Engineer III – Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California

Reports to the Group Supervisor in the Cryogenic Systems Engineering group.

• Provide sustained thermal and cryogenic engineering support on flight projects or technology development tasks, either independently or as a lead of a small team.
• Architect cryogenic tests, identify viable thermal vacuum hardware designs, assess cryogenic performance, procure and integrate cryogenic hardware, and conduct tests.
• Model and test cryocoolers using SAGE for Cooler modeling and optimization software.
• Model very low-temperature refrigeration cycles down to 100mK, including heat switch technology below 1K for the Continuous Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerator (CADR).
• Use thermal and cryogenic modeling, low‑temperature material and fluid property knowledge, and 3
  
  He/4
  
  He adsorption technology to model cryogenic cooling chains from room temperature to 100mK.
• Apply two‑phase heat transport technology, including variable conductance and cryogenic heat pipes, to design heat rejection systems for cryocoolers.
• Interface with JPL engineering team members and vendors to accelerate development.
• Architect cryogenic test plans, write reports, set up tests, conduct test reviews, and perform pre‑test and post‑test thermal analyses.
• Present findings at major reviews or routine team meetings, closing all ensuing action items.
• Build trusting relationships among customers, team members, and line management.
• Mentor junior team members.
• Partner with other engineers and project personnel to evaluate tests and verify cryogenic products or systems.
• Conduct complex design analyses and oversee assembly and test of cryogenic components.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering (thermal focus) or related discipline with a minimum of 6 years of related experience;
  Master’s degree with a minimum of 4 years; or PhD with a minimum of 2 years.
• Broad knowledge of mechanical and electrical design, cryogenic systems, vacuum systems, environmental test chambers, clean‑room practices, pressure vessels, piping systems, and operations.
• Extensive experience with laboratory equipment such as vacuum pumps, GM coolers, vacuum chambers, chillers, temperature controllers, and process safety management.
• Extensive knowledge of applicable industry and academic practices and standards for thermal vacuum chambers, pressure vessels, and piping system safety.
• Demonstrated experience in mechanical and electrical engineering design, vacuum and pressure systems engineering, and interfacing with all levels of management.
• Strong customer‑service skills, interpersonal, organizational, communication, presentation, and planning skills.
• Creative design capability within project resources, with minimal managerial oversight.
• Commitment to task ownership and the ability to work extra hours to meet milestones.
• Excellent verbal, written, and organizational skills.
• Strong understanding of fundamental heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermal engineering principles.

• Extensive knowledge of cryogenic refrigeration cycles (Joule‑Thomson, Stirling, Pulse Tube, Gifford‑McMahon, CADR).
• Experience with CFD codes such as Fluent and/or equivalent.
• Experience with thermal software (Thermal Desktop, NX Space Systems Thermal, or equivalent).
• Analytical and empirical experience with cryocoolers and cryogenic hardware.
• Experience in cryogenic hardware fabrication, assembly, and testing for space‑based instruments.
• Proficiency with mechanical CAD (Solid Works, AutoCAD, NX, and/or ANSYS Workbench).
• Experience with data acquisition and processing tools (LabVIEW, MATLAB).
• Experience writing procedures, releasing drawings, and negotiating cross‑domain interfaces.
• Working knowledge of vacuum chamber operations and cryogenic systems.
• Knowledge of NASA policies, regulations, and laboratory procedures.
• Record of long‑term problem solving and flexibility to work outside core expertise.
• Experience with hazardous materials.

JPL offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, wellness, retirement plans, paid time off, learning opportunities, rideshare,…