Thermal Engineer

Join Our Mission to Revolutionize Space Logistics!

Explore every ocean in the solar system, collect and store the fluid, and sustain life in space.

At Space Ocean we’re a cutting-edge space startup on a mission to push the boundaries of exploration and innovation to supply resources for humanity’s expansion into space, targeting near-Earth orbit by 2027 and beyond, including Mars.

As we prepare to launch groundbreaking projects, we’re seeking a Thermal Engineer to lead technical excellence and drive the development of next-generation for satellite-based fluid transport missions.

Role Overview
As a consulting Thermal Engineer, you’ll own the end-to-end engineering lifecycle for our missions, ensuring seamless integration of complex systems while mentoring teams and shaping our technical strategy.

The Thermal consulting engineer is responsible for the conceptualization, design, analysis, testing, and integration of thermal control systems for spacecraft, requiring expertise in thermal sciences, engineering tools, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• The responsibilities of a space thermal engineer generally include the following key tasks:
• Designing and testing of spacecraft thermal control systems to maintain required temperature environments throughout all mission phases, including launch.
• Developing, analyzing, and validating transient, multi-dimensional thermal models to predict thermal loads, temperatures, and thermal impacts on spacecraft components, subsystems, and vehicles.
• Performing thermal trade studies and system sizing to optimize thermal control designs.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, RF, software, operations) to define thermal interfaces and integrate thermal solutions with other spacecraft subsystems.
• Supporting and planning thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing and thermal verification testing, including test design, data acquisition, correlation of models to test data, analysis, and reporting.
• Leading thermal design reviews and presenting technical reports, recommendations, and design results to program managers, customers, and engineering teams.
• Supporting proposal development and business development efforts by preparing technical content and thermal design documentation.
• Staying updated on industry thermal control hardware and technologies, interfacing with vendors, and conducting research and development on innovative thermal solutions.
• Providing technical leadership and mentoring to engineering teams, and managing thermal engineering tasks or projects.
• Adapting, developing, and applying safety standards and documentation practices.

What We’re Looking For - Required Qualifications

• 2+ years in aerospace-related thermal engineering OR 4+ years in general engineering roles with applicable skills
• Very familiar with python and various packages such as Numpy, Pandas, Matplotlib, etc. Should have numerical simulations experience as well.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Thermal, Chemical, or Aerospace Engineering (or equivalent practical experience in structural/mechanical design).
• Strong understanding of rocket propulsion fundamentals, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and thrust modeling.
• Proficiency with computational analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, or similar scripting environments.
• Ability to derive, interpret, and validate thrust requirements based on mission architecture, flight profiles, and operational constraints.
• Familiarity with system-level modeling of propulsion architecture (e.g., feed systems, pulsing logic, valve dynamics).
• Strong analytical documentation and reporting skills — capable of producing derivation trees, trade study summaries, and test correlation reports.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across engineering disciplines including thermal, structures, avionics, and systems engineering.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills; capable of managing tasks and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Leadership experience in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.

Nice-to-Have - Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using CFD tools (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, OpenFOAM, or equivalent) for evaluating flow dynamics and thermal loading in propulsion hardware.
• Hands-on experience with sizing and analyzing pressure-fed propulsion systems, including tanks, lines, and nozzles.
• Knowledgeable of Controls Engineering, including tuning PI controllers and designing MPC schemes.

Why Join Us?
Equity stake in a high-growth startup.
Remote-friendly with flexible hours.
Cutting-edge tech: Work with advanced tools and platforms
Impact: Directly contribute to missions that redefine space commerce & sustainability.

Compensation:
Fractional ownership opportunity throughout the start-up phase. Transition to 1099 upon investor funding and contractual award.

Additional Information:
Candidates must be willing to undergo a background check and comply with US space regulations and security protocols.