Senior Thermal Engineer · Astranis

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:24:23 GMT
Engineering

Astranis · San Francisco · $145,000-$235,000 USD · onsite

As an Astranis Senior Thermal Engineer, you will design, evaluate and test thermal solutions ranging from electronic chips to full spacecraft thermal vacuum tests. You must have a strong problem-solving background as well as hands-on testing skills.

Your responsibilities will include: Identifying feasible thermal architectures and maturing designs through conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design phases using practical passive and active thermal control techniques. Taking charge of design trades that successfully balance performance margins, resource use, risk, cost, and schedule. Performing thermal analysis to varying degrees of fidelity (simplified to detailed) on a variety of different types of hardware such as propulsion components, batteries, high-powered electronics, RF components, mechanisms, and printed circuit boards (PCBs). Designing, evaluating, procuring, and testing thermal solutions such as heaters, heat pipes, thermal interface materials, and surface coatings. Developing processes and procedures for integration and assembly which ensure thermal design intent is met. Collaborating with the integration and test team in the installation of thermal hardware as needed. Planning and running thermal vacuum testing and verification at the component and spacecraft level. Mentoring and supporting junior engineers. Assisting in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring additional teammates to our rapidly-growing team.

Requirements include: Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or physics. 6+ years of experience in a thermal/mechanical role. Experience in thermal analysis and thermally-constrained design; computational thermal design experience (finite methods) is not required but highly preferred. Proficiency with mechanical CAD. A passion and enthusiasm for hardware development, including working in a fast-paced environment and hands-on design and development.

Bonus experience includes: Thermal Desktop. ANSYS Mechanical or ANSYS IcePak. Electronics Packaging and Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design. Building and operating high vacuum systems. Designing for a vacuum environment or environments with large temperature swings.