Sr. Thermal Engineer (Space Payloads)

The role

You will design and develop thermal control systems for advanced electro-optical space payloads. You will work with multidisciplinary teams to ensure thermal stability and performance for optical systems.

What you will do

• Design and optimize thermal control systems for electro optical space payloads including telescopes, cameras, and electronics.
• Develop thermal models and perform thermal analysis across operational environments.
• Conduct FEA simulations for thermal, structural, and environmental conditions.
• Collaborate with optics, mechanical, and electrical teams to ensure proper thermal integration.
• Define thermal requirements, margins, and verification strategies.
• Support environmental testing, including thermal vacuum (TVAC) and thermal cycling.
• Support the full product lifecycle from concept design to production.
• Provide engineering support during fabrication, integration, QC, and system validation.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent.
• 5+ years of experience in thermal engineering for aerospace or high-performance systems.
• Strong understanding of heat transfer fundamentals (conduction, convection, radiation).
• Experience with thermal analysis tools (e.g., Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, ANSYS, or similar).
• Experience developing and validating thermal models for complex systems.
• Effective communicator and collaborator.
• Demonstrated passion for aerospace or observational technologies.

Nice to have

• Experience with spacecraft or payload thermal control systems and space environments (LEO, GEO, or deep space).
• Understanding of FEA (ANSYS, Nastran, etc.), tolerance analysis, and DFM principles.
• Experience with thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing, thermal cycling, and model correlation.
• Grasp of materials, coatings, surface properties, and thermal interface design.
• Understanding of system engineering workflows, interface control documents, and verification processes.
• Experience working in fast-paced, early-stage or startup environments.
• Basic scripting or automation (Python, MATLAB) for thermal modeling or data analysis.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation
• Equity Opportunities (stock options)
• Flexible Work Environment
• Unlimited PTO (Salaried positions only)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of the premium paid by the employer
• Cutting-Edge Tools
• Mission-Driven Culture
• Inclusive Team

About the company

Observable Space is a vertically integrated, high-growth, space technology company building precision optics platforms. They deliver foundational systems for navigation, observation, and communication in space.