Senior Thermal Engineer

A New Paradigm For Space Operations. 

Space Kinetic is a dual-use space technology startup building a completely new architecture for space operations – one that brings the advantages of proliferated drone technology (low-cost, operationally flexible, attainable, distributed) to space missions while reducing the ecosystem's reliance on consumable fuel. In a world where many companies are focused on incrementally improving the status quo,  we are focused on creating something entirely different – an architecture underpinned by new first principles to meet the opportunities and challenges of the third space age head-on.  Our goal is to move away from one-to-one space architectures – where each satellite in a constellation has one (or a small # of) primary payloads attached to the bus -- and unlock a ‘one-to-many’ system, where each satellite has a large number of payloads which can be deployed from their host spacecraft at high velocities without firing a thruster.

This is not a role for someone looking for a traditional 40-hour work week. Space Kinetic is building ambitious, first-of-its-kind technology, and that requires urgency, ownership, and a high level of commitment to changing the foundational assumptions for everything we do in space.

• Design, analyze, and test thermal hardware, including MLI blankets, heaters, heat pipes, sensors, vents, radiators, and surface coatings.
• Partner with mechanical teams to develop passive and active thermal-control systems.
• Plan, execute, and document TVAC, thermal-cycling, interface, and material-characterization tests.
• Validate and verify thermal designs through analysis and testing.
• Map thermal loads and temperatures onto structural finite-element models.
• Create drawings, analysis reports, test plans, procedures, reports, presentations, and other technical documentation.
• Build and maintain thermal-material databases and comprehensive parts lists using BOMs, drawings, supplier data, and technical databases.
• Collaborate with Structures, Electrical, GNC, Propulsion, Systems Engineering, Manufacturing, Production, and Integration and Test teams.
• Monitor component fabrication, integration, and testing through completion.
• Work independently, learn quickly, communicate clearly, and deliver accurate results in a fast-paced environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field,
• 5+ years of relevant space-industry experience designing spacecraft thermal systems from initial analysis through ground testing and on-orbit validation.
• Ability to develop and execute tests that validate hardware performance under extreme conditions.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory tools, spacecraft integration, and environmental testing.
• Proficiency with Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, RadCAD, Siemens Space Systems Thermal, or similar tools.
• Understanding of orbital thermal environments and spacecraft heat-transfer principles.
• Experience designing or procuring MLI blankets and related thermal-control hardware.
• Ability to correlate thermal models with test data.
• Experience with CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Creo, or AutoCAD.
• Basic MATLAB or Python proficiency.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.
• Must meet applicable U.S. Government export-control requirements.

• Prior experience with spacecraft design
• Experience working on a launch vehicle or satellite development effort
• Experience in a startup or agile development environment
• Passion for the commercial and government space industry.

• The position will be on site at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.

• Equity-Based Compensation
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 3.5% company match
• Highly Competitive PTO
• Paid company holidays + winter break 
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Unique Performance-based bonus opportunities

ITAR Requirements: 
This position is subject to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.  Learn more about ITAR here

 

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Space Kinetic provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.