Thermal Test Engineer

What the role needs

• Develop and execute thermal and environmental test plans for aerospace and defense hardware, including components, subsystems, and system-level assemblies.
• Develop detailed test procedures, test requirements, instrumentation plans, test configurations, and test readiness documentation.
• Plan and execute thermal cycling, thermal vacuum (TVAC), thermal soak, temperature/humidity, high/low temperature, and other environmental tests as applicable to program requirements.
• Support qualification, acceptance, development, and verification testing throughout the product lifecycle.
• Configure and operate environmental test chambers, thermal vacuum chambers, thermal cycling equipment, and associated test systems.
• Select, install, calibrate, and verify test instrumentation including thermocouples, RTDs, pressure sensors, heat flux sensors, and other data acquisition instrumentation.
• Monitor test execution and ensure test conditions remain within approved limits and procedures.
• Collect, process, reduce, and analyze thermal test data to evaluate product performance against requirements.
• Identify and troubleshoot test anomalies, instrumentation issues, chamber/equipment problems, and hardware performance issues.
• Support root-cause investigations for thermal test failures and unexpected test results.
• Support thermal model validation and correlation using test data.
• Generate comprehensive test reports documenting test configuration, procedures, results, anomalies, conclusions, and recommendations.

From the employer

About Mach Industries Founded in 2023, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 350 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition. Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security. The Role Mach Industries is seeking a Thermal Test Engineer to support the development, qualification, and production of aerospace and defense systems. This role will be responsible for planning, developing, executing, and analyzing thermal and environmental tests on components, subsystems, and integrated systems. The Thermal Test Engineer will work closely with Mechanical, Thermal, Systems, Electrical, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program teams to ensure products meet defined thermal performance, reliability, and environmental requirements. Key Responsibilities Develop and execute thermal and environmental test plans for aerospace and defense hardware, including components, subsystems, and system-level assemblies. Develop detailed test procedures, test requirements, instrumentation plans, test configurations, and test readiness documentation. Plan and execute thermal cycling, thermal vacuum (TVAC), thermal soak, temperature/humidity, high/low temperature, and other environmental tests as applicable to program requirements. Support qualification, acceptance, development, and verification testing throughout the product lifecycle. Configure and operate environmental test chambers, thermal vacuum chambers, thermal cycling equipment, and associated test systems. Select, install, calibrate, and verify test instrumentation including thermocouples, RTDs, pressure sensors, heat flux sensors, and other data acquisition instrumentation. Monitor test execution and ensure test conditions remain within approved limits and procedures. Collect, process, reduce, and analyze thermal test data to evaluate product performance against requirements. Identify and troubleshoot test anomalies, instrumentation issues, chamber/equipment problems, and hardware performance issues. Support root-cause investigations for thermal test failures and unexpected test results. Support thermal model validation and correlation using test data. Generate comprehensive test reports documenting test configuration, procedures, results, anomalies, conclusions, and recommendations. Participate in engineering reviews including test readiness reviews, preliminary/design reviews, test result reviews, and failure review boards. Support development and continuous improvement of thermal test methods, processes, fixtures, instrumentation, and laboratory capabilities. Develop and maintain test equipment, procedures, work instructions, and standard operating procedures. Coordinate with internal teams, suppliers, external test facilities, and customers as required. Ensure testing is performed in accordance with applicable aerospace, military, customer, quality, safety, and environmental requirements. Support test equipment calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and laboratory safety activities. Maintain accurate test records, configuration documentation, test logs, and engineering data. Support multiple concurrent test programs and communicate test status, risks, and issues to program stakeholders. Travel to external test facilities or customer sites as required. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics, or a related engineering discipline. 2+ years of experience in thermal testing, environmental testing, test engineering, or a related aerospace/defense engineering discipline. Hands-on experience developing and executing engineering test procedures. Experience with thermal chambers and/or thermal vacuum (TVAC) chambers. Experience with thermal cycling, thermal soak, temperature testing, or other environmental qualification testing. Experience with test instrumentation such as thermocouples, RTDs, pressure transducers, temperature sensors, and data acquisition systems. Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, requirements, schematics, and test documentation. Experience collecting, processing, analyzing, and presenting engineering test data. Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills. Experience writing technical documentation, including test procedures and test reports. Strong attention to detail and ability to work effectively in a hands-on test environment. Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary engineering and manufacturing teams. Ability to work safely around high-temperature, low-temperature, vacuum, electrical, and other potentially hazardous test environments. Must be able to obtain and maintain required security clearance, if applicable to the position. Must meet applicable U.S. export-control requirements, if applicable to the position. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Thermal Sciences, or a related technical discipline. 5+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, space, aviation, or other high-reliability product testing. Direct experience with thermal vacuum testing and spacecraft or aerospace hardware qualification. Experience with combined environmental testing, including thermal/vibration, thermal/shock, or thermal/acoustic testing. Experience with aerospace and military environmental test standards such as MIL-STD-810, RTCA DO-160, NASA/GSFC standards, SMC-S-016, or applicable customer-specific requirements. Experience with qualification, acceptance, and development testing of flight hardware. Experience with LabVIEW, NI DAQ/PXI, MATLAB, Python, or similar test/data-analysis tools. Experience developing automated test and data acquisition systems. Experience with thermal analysis and modeling tools such as ANSYS, Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, COMSOL, or equivalent. Experience correlating thermal test data with analytical or computational thermal models. Familiarity with spacecraft thermal control hardware, avionics, electronics, propulsion systems, structures, or other aerospace subsystems. Experience designing or developing thermal test fixtures and test setups. Experience with instrumentation calibration, measurement uncertainty, and test-data quality assessment. Experience performing formal root-cause analysis using methods such as 5-Why, Fishbone/Ishikawa, or 8D. Experience supporting external test laboratories and customer/government test activities. Active U.S. Secret, Top Secret, or higher security clearance, where applicable. Experience working within configuration-controlled engineering and product development environments. Additional Requirements Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed ITAR Requirements 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 the ITAR here . Engineer $115,000 — $150,000 USD Senior Engineer $155,000 — $195,000 USD At Mach, we believe that compensation is more than just a paycheck. It's a comprehensive package designed to reward the time, skills, and expertise you bring to our team. We are committed to offering competitive compensation that is equitable, transparent, and aligned with market trends. Key Elements of Our Compensation Philosophy: Competitive Salaries : We continuously research market rates to ensure our salaries are competitive with those in our industry and geographic location. Performance-Based Incentives : Our bonus structure is tied to both individual and company performance, creating a win-win scenario that motivates our team members to excel. Equity Participation : We offer stock options or equity to employees, ensuring that you share in the success and growth of the company. Benefit Packages : Our benefits include healthcare, dental and vision plans, retirement savings, and paid time off, because we understand that your well-being extends beyond the office. Professional Development : We allocate funds for continuing education, training, and career growth. Transparency : We are committed to openness about our compensation tiers and how decisions are made, ensuring trust and mutual respect. By joining Mach, you’re not just accepting a job—you’re becoming a key part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your growth. Together, we aim to create a rewarding environment that sets the stage for long-term success. Data Privacy To view Mach Industries candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://machindustries.com/privacy-policy . Disclosures This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license. Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development. Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you’d like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!