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Sr. Thermal Engineer - Spacecraft Analysis, AI Satellites (Starmind)

SpaceX· Mesh Optical
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Bastrop, TXFull-timePosted 2mo ago

About the role

Senior Thermal Engineer focusing on spacecraft analysis for SpaceX Starmind AI satellite constellation. Owns the vehicle-level thermal model, defines environments, drives heat-rejection architecture trades, and ensures model accuracy through TVAC correlation and flight data integration.

Responsibilities

  • Own the vehicle-level thermal model for Starmind satellites
  • Define environments across entire vehicle lifecycle, including ground test, launch, operations, and disposal
  • Drive heat-rejection architecture trades: radiator area, mass, optical properties, heater/survival power
  • Own the system thermal budget: dissipation allocation, heater loads, min/max temps vs. limits
  • Own integrated TVAC/thermal balance tests from inputs, to pre-test prediction, instrumentation selection, live test support, through post-test correlation
  • Define component-level thermal inputs for qualification, reliability, and acceptance testing
  • Evaluate on-orbit performance to improve model accuracy, drive key hardware upgrades, and increase operational efficiency
  • Automate analysis workflows for re-running trades as designs and environments change

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace, or a related engineering discipline
  • 5+ years of professional experience in thermal analysis

Skills

Required:Thermal modelingTVAC correlationHeat-rejection architecture tradesGround/flight environmentsThermal budgets
Nice to have:Automation of analysis workflowsScripting

Benefits

  • (not specified in the provided description)
Last updated Jul 29, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

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