Current jobs related to Thermal Systems Engineer for Spacecraft - El Segundo, California - The Aerospace Corporation


  • El Segundo, California, United States Millennium Space Systems Full time

    Job SummaryAs a Thermal Engineer for Spacecraft Development, you will play a critical role in the design and analysis of spacecraft thermal systems. Your expertise will be essential in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of spacecraft systems.ResponsibilitiesPerform thermal design and analysis at the board, component, subsystem, and system levelDevelop...


  • El Segundo, California, United States The Aerospace Corporation Full time

    Job SummaryThe Aerospace Corporation is seeking a highly skilled Spacecraft Thermal Engineer to join our team. As a key member of our Vehicle Systems Division, you will be responsible for designing and analyzing spacecraft thermal control systems, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of our spacecraft.Key Responsibilities:Design and analyze spacecraft...


  • El Segundo, California, United States The Aerospace Corporation Full time

    Job SummaryThe Aerospace Corporation is seeking a highly skilled Spacecraft Thermal Engineer to join our team. As a key member of our Vehicle Systems Division, you will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and testing spacecraft thermal control systems. Your expertise will be critical in ensuring the success of our spacecraft programs.Key...


  • El Segundo, California, United States The Aerospace Corporation Full time

    Job SummaryThe Aerospace Corporation is seeking a highly skilled Spacecraft Thermal Engineer to join our team. As a key member of our Vehicle Systems Division, you will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and testing spacecraft thermal control systems. Your expertise will be crucial in ensuring the success of our spacecraft programs.Key...


  • El Segundo, California, United States The Aerospace Corporation Full time

    Job SummaryThe Aerospace Corporation is seeking a highly skilled Spacecraft Thermal Engineer to join our team. As a key member of our Vehicle Systems Division, you will be responsible for designing and analyzing spacecraft thermal control systems.Key Responsibilities:Design and analyze spacecraft thermal control systemsDevelop and implement thermal models...

  • Aerospace Engineer

    4 weeks ago


    El Segundo, California, United States The Aerospace Corporation Full time

    Job SummaryThe Aerospace Corporation is seeking a highly skilled Thermal Systems Engineer to join our team in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA. As a Thermal Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for designing and analyzing thermal control systems for spacecraft, including thermal modeling, analysis, and testing. You will work closely with cross-functional...


  • El Segundo, California, United States The Aerospace Corporation Full time

    Job SummaryThe Aerospace Corporation is seeking a highly skilled Spacecraft Thermal Engineer to join our team. As a key member of our Vehicle Systems Division, you will be responsible for designing and analyzing thermal control systems for spacecraft and payloads.Key Responsibilities:Engage with internal and external customers to identify and resolve design,...


  • El Segundo, California, United States The Aerospace Corporation Full time

    Job SummaryThe Aerospace Corporation is seeking a highly skilled Spacecraft Thermal Engineer to join our team. As a key member of our Vehicle Systems Division, you will be responsible for designing and analyzing spacecraft thermal control systems, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of our spacecraft.This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA...


  • El Segundo, California, United States The Aerospace Corporation Full time

    Job SummaryThe Aerospace Corporation is seeking a highly skilled Spacecraft Thermal Engineer to join our team. As a key member of our Vehicle Systems Division, you will be responsible for designing and analyzing spacecraft thermal control systems from component to system level. Your expertise in heat transfer and thermal engineering will be essential in...


  • El Segundo, California, United States Millennium Space Systems Full time

    Job SummaryWe are seeking an experienced Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer to join our team at Millennium Space Systems. As a key member of our engineering team, you will be responsible for designing and developing mechanical systems for spacecraft and satellites.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and develop mechanical systems for spacecraft and satellites, including...


  • El Segundo, California, United States The Aerospace Corporation Full time

    Job SummaryThe Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) is a hub of innovation and expertise, providing cutting-edge research and development, technical evaluations, and operational support to national customers. We are seeking a highly skilled Manager - Spacecraft Thermal Engineering to lead the Thermal Design and Analysis Section within the Thermal Control...


  • El Segundo, California, United States Millennium Space Systems Full time

    At Millennium Space Systems, we are seeking a highly skilled Lead Spacecraft Systems Engineer to join our team. As a key member of our engineering team, you will be responsible for leading the development of spacecraft systems for a range of missions and customers.This includes creating, monitoring, and guiding requirements definition, spacecraft design,...


  • El Segundo, California, United States Millennium Space Systems Full time

    Job SummaryAs a Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer at Millennium Space Systems, you will be responsible for providing technical expertise and leading teams developing spacecraft systems serving a range of missions and customers. This includes creating, monitoring, and guiding requirements definition, spacecraft design, procurement and fabrication,...


  • El Segundo, California, United States Millennium Space Systems Full time

    Job SummaryAs a Lead Spacecraft Systems Engineer at Millennium Space Systems, you will be responsible for leading a team developing a spacecraft system serving a range of missions and customers. This includes creating, monitoring, and guiding requirements definition, spacecraft design, procurement and fabrication, integration and test, and verification and...


  • El Segundo, California, United States Millennium Space Systems Full time

    Job SummaryAs a Principal Spacecraft Systems Engineer at Millennium Space Systems, you will be responsible for providing technical expertise across the company and leading teams developing spacecraft product lines and systems serving a range of missions and customers. This includes creating, monitoring, and guiding requirements definition, spacecraft design,...


  • El Segundo, California, United States Millennium Space Systems Full time

    Job SummaryWe are seeking a highly skilled Lead Spacecraft Systems Engineer to join our team at Millennium Space Systems, A Boeing Company. As a key member of our spacecraft systems engineering team, you will be responsible for leading the development of spacecraft systems serving a range of missions and customers.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide systems...


  • El Segundo, California, United States Millennium Space Systems Full time

    Job SummaryWe are seeking a highly skilled Lead Spacecraft Systems Engineer to join our team at Millennium Space Systems, A Boeing Company. As a key member of our spacecraft systems engineering team, you will be responsible for leading the development of spacecraft systems serving a range of missions and customers.Key Responsibilities:Provide systems...


  • El Segundo, California, United States Millennium Space Systems Full time

    Job SummaryWe are seeking a highly skilled Lead Spacecraft Systems Engineer to join our team at Millennium Space Systems, A Boeing Company. As a key member of our spacecraft systems engineering team, you will be responsible for leading the development of spacecraft systems serving a range of missions and customers.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide systems...


  • El Segundo, California, United States Millennium Space Systems Full time

    Job SummaryAs a Senior Spacecraft Systems Engineer at Millennium Space Systems, you will be responsible for providing technical expertise and leading teams developing spacecraft systems serving a range of missions and customers.Key ResponsibilitiesProvides systems engineering leadership to programs.Provides mentorship to junior systems engineering and...


  • El Segundo, California, United States Millennium Space Systems, A Boeing Company Full time

    Job Title: Lead Spacecraft Systems EngineerAt Millennium Space Systems, A Boeing Company, we are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Spacecraft Systems Engineer to join our team. As a key member of our engineering team, you will be responsible for leading the development of spacecraft systems for a range of missions and customers.Key...

Thermal Systems Engineer for Spacecraft

2 months ago


El Segundo, California, United States The Aerospace Corporation Full time

The Aerospace Corporation serves as a pivotal ally to the nation's space initiatives, tackling complex challenges and offering unparalleled technical knowledge. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we engage comprehensively across all facets of space—providing innovative solutions that encompass satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil, and commercial clients.

At Aerospace, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where all employees can unite in our shared passion and ambition—executing a mission that transcends individual interests.

Position Overview

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) is at the forefront of the concepts and data driving current and future systems, offering innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition phase; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and testing; as well as operational support. Composed mainly of highly skilled mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD delivers national expertise in vehicle engineering, guidance, navigation, and controls, robotics, electro-mechanical devices, embedded systems, fluid mechanics, propulsion, thermal control, orbital mechanics, mechanisms, structures, structural dynamics, and dynamic environments.

The Thermal Control Department consists of seasoned, trusted engineers with extensive knowledge in the design and analysis of spacecraft thermal control systems, from component to system level. The department conducts technical studies, experimental investigations, and real-time assessments to guide and empower key decisions made by our clients and their contractors.

As a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer (Engineering Specialist / Senior Engineering Specialist - Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering), you should possess a robust background in heat transfer and thermal engineering disciplines, specifically as they pertain to space systems, along with direct experience in thermal design and control of spacecraft. You will support both classified and unclassified spacecraft programs, with a focus on classified systems. The ideal candidate will advocate for optimal solutions, best practices, and innovative approaches to critical thermal control challenges across the organization.

Work Arrangement

This is a full-time role offering a hybrid work model that includes regular onsite workdays combined with remote flexibility as business needs dictate.

Key Responsibilities

  • Engage with internal program offices representing defense and civil agencies, including the U.S. Space Force, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
  • Identify, track, and resolve design, workmanship, and performance issues related to thermal control subsystems for space vehicles and payloads.
  • Serve as the thermal subject matter expert, leading and conducting analysis, modeling, simulation, experimental investigations, and assessments of spacecraft thermal control systems and their components.
  • Strategically curate departmental knowledge and capabilities in thermal systems engineering, analysis, design, and control hardware.
  • Provide technical leadership in thermal engineering for teams of two or more in support of various programs and projects.

Qualifications for Success

Minimum requirements for the Engineering Specialist - Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering include:

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or a closely related field with a focus on heat transfer or thermal sciences.
  • A minimum of eight years of thermal engineering experience.
  • Experience in the design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, and operation of spacecraft thermal control systems across all relevant modes of heat transfer.
  • Proficiency with SINDA/FLUINT and Thermal Desktop software; familiarity with TSS, EES, SolidWorks, SpaceClaim, CAMEO, and scripting languages such as FORTRAN and Python.
  • Experience with thermal vacuum (TVAC), thermal cycle, and other environmental test programs.
  • Demonstrated initiative and leadership skills, with a proven ability to build and manage effective engineering teams.
  • Willingness to travel occasionally to customer or contractor facilities.
  • This position requires a current and active Secret security clearance issued by the U.S. government, with the ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI security clearance.

In addition, the minimum requirements for the Senior Engineering Specialist - Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering include:

  • Preferred twelve or more years of thermal engineering experience.
  • Experience providing thermal engineering support at a system level for at least three different spacecraft programs.
  • Experience leading integrated-team thermal engineering efforts involving multiple stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

It would be advantageous if you possess one or more of the following:

  • Advanced degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or a closely related field.
  • Fifteen or more years of direct spacecraft thermal engineering experience.
  • Deep knowledge of cryogenics, two-phase thermophysics, or thermodynamics.
  • Experience in adjacent engineering disciplines related to spaceflight hardware.
  • Current and active TS/SCI clearance.

We offer a competitive compensation package where performance is rewarded and contributions are recognized. The grade-based pay range for this position is competitive, with individual salaries determined by various factors including education, experience, knowledge, and skills.

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy emphasizes that every employee can demonstrate leadership, regardless of their role. We seek individuals who:

  • Operate Strategically
  • Lead Change
  • Engage with Impact
  • Foster Innovation
  • Deliver Results

Employee Benefits

During the interview process, details regarding our industry-leading benefits will be provided. Benefits vary based on job type and may include:

  • Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
  • Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
  • Flexible work schedules, including telework options
  • 401(k) Plan with company-paid benefits based on years of service
  • Professional growth and development programs
  • Education assistance programs
  • An inclusive work environment built on teamwork and respect

We believe in the power of diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment where unique ideas and perspectives lead to superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on any characteristic protected by law.