Senior Thermal Engineer, Orion Program
Lockheed Martin· Defense· Aug 25, 2026 · 2mo agoPosted 63 days ago
Kennedy Space Center, FL
In office
Full-time
Senior
$137K–$186K est.
3+ years exp
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Open 63 days.
Job description
Standard Job Description
Space is a critical domain, connecting our technologies, our security and our humanity. While others view space as a destination, we see it as a realm of possibilities, where we can do more — we can innovate, invest, inspire and integrate our capabilities to transform the future.
At Lockheed Martin Space, we aim to harness the full potential of space to cultivate innovation, reduce costs, and push the boundaries of what technology can achieve. We’re creating future-ready solutions, focusing on resiliency and urgency through our 21st Century Security® vision. We’re erasing boundaries and forming partnerships across industries and around the world. We’re advancing spacecraft and the workforce to fuel the next generation. And we’re reimagining how space can connect us, ensuring security and prosperity.
Join us in shaping a new era in space and find a career that's built for you.
Lockheed Martin Space is seeking a full-time Senior Mechanical Engineer (Thermal Analysis). In this role you will be supporting the Orion thermal analysis team performing preliminary and detailed level analysis on spacecraft components and subsystems (Avionics, Propulsion, etc.), as well as performing comprehensive modeling on the entire spacecraft thermal system using standardized processes and tools (Thermal Desktop, SINDA/Fluint). Other related responsibilities include providing technical memos and input to data packages to support peer and customer reviews; presenting resultant design and analysis data to the spacecraft design/engineering team, customer technical representatives, and Program Office personnel at technical exchange meetings and formal design reviews; providing review, interpretation, flow down and implementation of all program requirements; providing thermal engineering planning and support for multi-week Thermal Cycle or TVAC and On-Orbit flight data; working interactively with diverse engineering disciplines in a fast-paced environment to develop cost-effective solutions to thermal control requirements which also satisfy producibility objectives defined by Manufacturing and Quality. The employee must develop solutions to complex problems which require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity, and work without appreciable direction and exercise considerable latitude in determining technical objectives and approaches to assignment.
The information below reflects the standard job description for this position:
Researches, plans, designs and develops mechanical products and systems such as instruments, controls, robots, engines, machines and mechanical, thermal hydraulic or heat transfer systems for production, transmission, measurement, and use of energy. Applies research to the planning, design, development, and testing of mechanical and/or electromechanical systems, instruments, controls, engines, and/or machines.
Basic Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field, with 3+ years of related experience and may have a post-secondary degree or training in a related discipline.
• Thorough knowledge of heat transfer and thermodynamic principles and their practical engineering application.
• Experience executing engineering design, analysis, and verification across the product development lifecycle.
• Proficiency with CAD and thermal analysis tools (e.g., Creo, Thermal Desktop, ANSYS, or equivalent).
• Apply creative and innovative solutions and resolve anomalous performance issues across any component of the thermal system.
• Experience with test planning and execution.
Desired Skills
• Hands on experience with Thermal Desktop and SINDA/FLUINT.
• Experience using Python for scripting, data analysis, or model automation.
• Familiarity with first order heat transfer hand calculations.
• Experience designing spacecraft thermal control systems and hardware.
• Strong analytical skills for design and analysis of spacecraft thermal control subsystems, including the ability to lead investigations of complex thermal issues.
• Engineering and operational experience with spacecraft thermal control subsystem hardware and software.
• Experience with testing thermal hardware in complex systems, both planning and execution or appropriate background and aptitude for skill development.
• Exposure to integration and test (I&T) operations, such as MLI blankets installation and inspection of passive/active thermal control features.
• Ability and willingness to perform technical tasks during non-standard shifts, including 24/7 Thermal Cycle, TVAC, and launch support, with occasional extended hours.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Excellent technical communication skills, including the ability to document and present analytical results to cross-functional stakeholders.
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Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $85300.00 - $158300.00
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market(work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
• Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
• For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
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Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)
Pto
Paid Time Off
Parental Leave