Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

Scout Space is building a new way to see and operate in space: with a new paradigm of data empowering every satellite to make space safer. We are a rapidly-growing team; we are deploying real solutions to orbit over the next 2 years; and our work will transform the face of spaceflight. We are looking for people that bring excitement and energy to our organization, are curious and eager to learn, and want to help drive our programs forward.

Scout is seeking a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer to lead design and development of SCOUT payload thermal systems. As a Thermal Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the hardware development of SCOUT’s on-orbit perception and autonomy capabilities. 

Responsibilities

• Execute complete thermal design lifecycle for complex optomechanical space payloads
• Work with payload subsystem leads to generate thermal design requirements
• Build thermal models from component to payload levels
• Execute on-orbit and TVAC analyses
• Conduct trade studies to develop passive and active control systems that meet system requirements on performance, schedule, and cost
• Collaborate with systems, electrical, optical, and software engineers to integrate thermal hardware and software into payload
• Collaborate with vendors to spec and source thermal hardware
• Build and test prototype systems for design validation
• Create plans for assembly, integration, and test of payload thermal subsystem
• Guide and supervise technicians in integration of thermal hardware 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of thermal design and analysis experience specific to complex spacecraft systems
• Experience with Thermal Desktop modeling and analysis
• Thorough understanding of heat transfer and thermal control principles
• Enthusiastic attitude towards individual and team work and collaborating with geographically diverse offices
• Proven track record of payload design lifecycle completion, including proposal, design, manufacture, assembly, test, and integration
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts and technical information clearly and concisely 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with spacecraft optical systems
• Full-lifecycle payload or product experience
• Knowledge or experience in other spacecraft subsystems
• Familiarity with spacecraft environment and test requirement standards (e.g. NASA GEVS, MIL-STD-1540)  
• Familiarity with supporting scripting tools to support analysis (e.g. MATLAB, SINDA, Python)
• Ability to tackle multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience working and collaborating in a fast-paced, small team environment 

Benefits

• Open Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• 401k Matching
• Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care FSA
• Wellness Stipend
• Work From Home Stipend
• Life Insurance
• Long-term Disability plans
• Commuter Benefit
• Education Reimbursement

Don't fulfill all the qualifications listed above? If you still feel like you might be a good fit, please feel free to APPLY ANYWAY. We believe in a well-rounded team, and this sometimes means that someone with out-of-context knowledge can contribute just as well as someone with very explicit alignment with our capabilities needs stated.

Our positions are based in Reston, Virginia, with much of our team operating in a hybrid or remote fashion. Our preference is for candidates in or around this area (or willing to relocate) as we scale our facilities and engineering team to provide more opportunities to work and collaborate in-person.

This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.

Scout Space Inc. does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. To conform to US Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident of the US, a protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorization from the US Department of State.

We’re Proud to Prioritize Mental Health. Scout Space has been recognized with the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America. This certification reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a supportive environment where mental well-being is valued, protected, and openly talked about. We know that when people feel seen and supported, great work happens, and that is the kind of culture we are building here at Scout Space.

Compensation is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Pay range: $140,000-$180,000.