Senior Thermal Engineer
Space Kinetic· startup· Defense & Space· Jul 16, 2026 · 3mo agoPosted 103 days ago
El Segundo, California
In office
Full-time
Senior
$137K–$186K est.
5+ years exp
Before you apply
Ghost Signal:
Open since July 16, 2026 — 103 days, and still accepting applications.
Job description
A New Paradigm For Space Operations.
Who We Are:
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.
What You’ll Do: Space Kinetic is looking for a Senior Thermal Engineer to assist with thermal analysis, hardware design , hardware acquisition , and test within the simulation group of the M echanical E ngineering department. The candidate will ensure that comp o nents will operate within safe temperature ranges despite the extreme thermal environment of space . The candidate will work on passive and active thermal control systems.
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.
What It Takes:
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.
What We’d Love:
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.
Where You’ll Be:
The position will be on site at our headquarters in El Segundo, CA.
What We Offer:
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. The annual base salary for this role is below. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education/experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity. Pay Range $140,000 — $180,000 USD
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Keywords to mirror
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)
Pto