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Senior Thermal Analyst

K2 Space· Thermal
Apply on company site
Los Angeles, CA$140k - $230kPosted 2mo ago

About the role

Lead thermal modeling and simulation efforts for spacecraft, owning analysis that predicts temperatures across all mission phases. Collaborate with Thermal Design Engineers, set modeling standards, review junior analysts, and bridge analysis with hardware ownership. Focus on analysis and simulation, not hardware sizing or TVAC campaigns.

Responsibilities

  • Own end-to-end orbital thermal models via Thermal Desktop for the spacecraft bus from initial architecture through flight
  • Work with lead engineers to design active and passive thermal control systems using basic heat transfer and mechanical equations to size lines, pumps, accumulators, cold plates etc.
  • Lead steady-state and transient thermal analyses across the full worst-case hot/cold mission envelope, including degraded and off-nominal cases
  • Lead trade studies on thermal control architecture
  • Define and defend thermal margins at PDR/CDR-level design reviews; present findings directly to program leadership and customers
  • Drive correlation of thermal models against TVAC and thermal balance test data; lead root-cause investigation when predictions and test disagree
  • Set modeling standards and best practices for the analysis team; mentor junior/associate thermal analysts
  • Design and development of heater and cooling systems including control architecture
  • Setup, commission, and maintain state-of-the-art test stands and instrumentation
  • Develop data acquisition systems for active and passive thermal control systems
  • Perform tests on novel pump fluid loop including feed systems, power electronics, and hardware-in-the-loop
  • Develop testing and control scripts to conduct safe and reliable test campaigns of pump fluid loop and individual components
  • Own analysis documentation and verification closure packages for customer and internal reviews

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience with thermal test experience in a high-rate manufacturing environment
  • 3+ years of experience with sizing and testing fluid systems including pumps, valves, accumulators, heat exchanger, cold plates etc.
  • Demonstrated experience with data acquisition for thermal and power related applications
  • Experience with test plan development and execution
  • Strong experience with thermal and TVAC testing including setup, instrumentation, and troubleshooting
  • Demonstrated knowledge of NX or AutoCAD is preferred to design test fixtures

Skills

Required:Thermal analysisHeat transferTVAC testingData acquisitionTest planning and execution
Nice to have:Thermal DesktopNX/AutoCAD

Benefits

  • Base salary range for this role is $140,000 - $230,000 + equity in the company
  • Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision/coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks
Last updated Aug 26, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About K2 Space

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Building the largest satellites in orbit. Ultra-powerful, scalable platforms engineered for LEO–cislunar missions. Explore the next-generation of satellites.

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