Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

scouted.

Thermal Engineer leading design and development of thermal systems for complex space payloads at Scout Space. Collaborating with engineers to enhance on-orbit perception and autonomy capabilities.

Posted 7/1/2026full-timeReston • Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $140,000 - $180,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Assembly

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Execute complete thermal design lifecycle for complex optomechanical space payloads
Work with payload subsystem leads to generate thermal design requirements
Build thermal models from component to payload levels
Execute on-orbit and TVAC analyses
Conduct trade studies to develop passive and active control systems that meet system requirements on performance, schedule, and cost
Collaborate with systems, electrical, optical, and software engineers to integrate thermal hardware and software into payload
Collaborate with vendors to spec and source thermal hardware
Build and test prototype systems for design validation
Create plans for assembly, integration, and test of payload thermal subsystem
Guide and supervise technicians in integration of thermal hardware

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
5+ years of thermal design and analysis experience specific to complex spacecraft systems
Experience with Thermal Desktop modeling and analysis
Thorough understanding of heat transfer and thermal control principles
Enthusiastic attitude towards individual and team work and collaborating with geographically diverse offices
Proven track record of payload design lifecycle completion, including proposal, design, manufacture, assembly, test, and integration
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts and technical information clearly and concisely

Benefits

Comp & perks

Open Time Off
Paid Parental Leave
Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
401k Matching
Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care FSA
Wellness Stipend
Work From Home Stipend
Life Insurance
Long-term Disability plans
Commuter Benefit
Education Reimbursement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

Thermal DesignThermal AnalysisThermal Control SystemsPrototype TestingTrade StudiesThermal ModelingIntegration of Thermal HardwareAssembly and Test PlanningOn-Orbit AnalysisTVAC Analysis

Soft Skills

Team CollaborationCommunication SkillsEnthusiastic Attitude

Certifications

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical EngineeringBachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering