Thermal Control Systems Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space- delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.
At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration - to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.
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Job Summary
The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of 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 mission of the Thermal Control Department is to develop, apply, and communicate thermal engineering expertise for spacecraft, payloads, and related systems to inform and enable key customer decisions. This position will be a hybrid work model with remote consideration with some onsite work required in El Segundo, CA or Chantilly, VA.
What You'll Be Doing

• Key customers are internal program offices representing defense and civil agencies, such as the U.S. Space Force, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and others.
• S/he will interact with internal and external customers to identify, track, and resolve design, workmanship, and performance issues relating to space vehicle and payload thermal control subsystems.
• Be the thermal subject matter expert in thermal control systems for spacecraft and payloads. Lead and conduct analysis, modeling, simulation, experimental investigations, and assessments of designs and design concepts relating to spacecraft thermal control systems and their components. Participate in and review thermal subsystem requirements, allocations, design, integration, test, and flight operations.
• Curate department knowledge and capabilities in thermal systems engineering, thermal analysis and design, and/or thermal control hardware.
• You will provide thermal engineering technical leadership of teams of 2 or more people in support of programs, inter-department projects, and broad engagement efforts.

This position is available as a Senior Member of Technical Staff or as an Engineering Specialist.
What You Need to be Successful
Minimum Requirements:
Senior Member of Technical Staff

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field or equivalent with emphasis in heat transfer or thermal sciences.
• Typically, 5 years direct spacecraft thermal engineering experience.
• Position requires a thorough background in all modes of heat transfer, thermodynamics, thermal sciences, thermal engineering, and two-phase thermophysics.

• Effective interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations.
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a Secret or Top Secret security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Engineering Specialist
Same requirements as Senior Member of Technical Staff noted above, in addition to:

• Typically, 8+ years direct spacecraft thermal engineering experience is highly desirable

How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
Senior Member of Technical Staff or an Engineering Specialist

• Advanced degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering with emphasis in heat transfer or thermal sciences.
• Graduate-level academic coursework in conduction heat transfer, radiation heat transfer, numerical methods, and two-phase thermophysics
• Research and/or laboratory experience in cryogenics, visible and infrared sensor systems, heat pipe technology, thermal blankets, thermal materials, or spacecraft thermal modeling
• Direct experience in developing/reviewing thermal engineering requirements, thermal integration and test plans/procedures
• Patents and publications in applicable industry journals and/or conferences

• Hands-on experience with Thermal Desktop®, SINDA, and finite element analysis software
• A current and active TS/SSBI (SCI) security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government is highly desirable. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.

Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan - Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other-the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at [email protected]. You can also review The Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law and the supplement, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.