Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

About the Role

Join Aevum Zenth's Aerospace & Defense division as a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer, where you'll design, analyze, and validate thermal control systems for next-generation orbital platforms, deep-space probes, and reusable launch vehicles. Working alongside our Advanced Research and Materials Science teams, you'll solve complex thermal challenges in extreme environments while contributing to missions that push the boundaries of human exploration.

This role operates at the intersection of precision engineering, computational modeling, and hardware validation. You'll collaborate across 400+ subsidiaries, leveraging cross-divisional expertise in quantum simulation, nanomaterials, and AI-driven design optimization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and validate thermal models for spacecraft subsystems using ESATAN-TMS, SINDA/FLUINT, ANSYS, and custom CFD/FEA workflows
• Design passive and active thermal control solutions (MLIs, radiators, heat pipes, thermoelectric coolers, fluid loops) for LEO, GEO, cislunar, and interplanetary missions
• Conduct thermal vacuum testing, balance-of-plant validation, and on-orbit thermal performance analysis
• Partner with propulsion, power, and avionics teams to ensure cross-system thermal compatibility and safety margins
• Create engineering documentation, thermal analyses reports, and interface control documents per NASA/ESA and MIL-STD requirements
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to internal thermal engineering standards and simulation libraries

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
• 3+ years of experience in spacecraft thermal engineering (commercial or government programs preferred)
• Proficiency in thermal modeling software (ESATAN-TMS, SINDA/FLUINT, ANSYS, or equivalent)
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, orbital mechanics, and space environmental conditions
• Experience with CAD (SolidWorks, CATIA, or NX) and GD&T for thermal hardware integration
• Ability to read/write MATLAB, Python, or C++ for simulation automation and data analysis
• U.S. citizenship or eligible for security clearance (TS/SCI preferred for defense programs)

Why Aevum Zenth

Our integrated conglomerate model enables rapid technology transfer between divisions. Work on dual-use thermal systems that power both commercial satellite constellations and deep-space exploration. Access $12B in annual R&D investment, world-class testing facilities, and a culture that values engineering excellence, safety, and innovation.

Benefits & Compensation

How to Apply

Submit your resume, cover letter, and links to relevant technical work or publications. Our talent team will review applications within 5 business days. Selected candidates will complete a technical assessment followed by structured interviews with the thermal systems lead and cross-functional principals.