Senior Avionics Thermal Design Engineer at K2 Space

Los Angeles, California, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

05 Jan, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

07 Oct, 25

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Thermal Analysis, Thermal Management, Thermal Testing, Thermal Modeling, Thermal Control Hardware, Avionics, Python, Ansys, Thermal Desktop, Thermal Cycling, TVAC, Electronics, PCBA, Thermal Interface Materials, Radiators, Heat Pipes

Industry

Defense and Space Manufacturing

Description

K2 Space is building large, high-powered spacecraft for the next generation of space development. Backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Altimeter Capital, and many others ($200M raised to date), we intend to mass produce the highest-powered satellite platforms ever built for missions across LEO to Deep Space. The rise of launch vehicles like Falcon 9 and Starship enables the move from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance. We believe this new era requires spacecraft with a fundamentally different design in order to fully utilize the massive rockets coming to market. We’re a team that believes the future lies in building large, high-powered satellites that can handle multiple orbits. This is a necessity if we ever want to develop the solar system, and become a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series B space startup, we’d love for you to apply. The Role As an Avionics Thermal Design Engineer you will be a core driver of the detailed thermal design of spacecraft subsystems by running thermal analysis at both the component, PCBA and spacecraft level. You will also be involved in exploring different thermal management strategies and demonstrating them through test campaigns. Our ideal candidate has experience with in-orbit integrated thermal analysis of spacecraft Avionics using both first principles as well analytical models using software tools (such as Thermal Desktop, Ansys IcePak, and Python for automation purposes). Hands-on experience with thermal testing for spacecraft components such as thermal cycling and TVAC is highly preferred. Responsibilities Work with Avionics subsystem owners to develop robust thermal design for avionics boxes and other electro-mechanical subsystems Work independently to set up and execute thermal testing ranging from development to qualification Develop and maintain thermal models for spacecraft and sub-components using Thermal Desktop and Ansys Work with mechanical teams to develop passive and active thermal control hardware for the spacecraft including radiators, heaters, heat pipes, surface coating etc.. Work with avionics teams to develop thermal models and thermal tests for electronic assemblies Basic Qualifications 5+ years of experience with radiative and conductive thermal modeling of spacecraft systems, particularly high power Avionics using Thermal Desktop or similar tools 5+ years of experience with selection, sizing, and design of thermal control hardware including, but not limited to, heat pipes, heaters, SSM, OSR, thermal straps, thermal paints, tapes, MLI, TEC, etc. 1+ year of experience with thermal cycling and thermal vacuum testing including predictions, setup, instrumentation and thermal model correlation 1+ Experience with electrical component and PCBA thermal modeling 1+ Experience with thermal interface materials (thermal grease, gap pads, etc.) Nice to Have Experience with full-vehicle thermal vacuum testing and model correlation Experience with integrated thermal analysis of spacecraft and launch vehicles Familiarity with SMC-S016 standard or equivalent Experience with spacecraft primary radiator design and analysis Knowledge of Atlassian software environments Experience with Python, C/C++, or Matlab for thermal modeling and automated data analysis Compensation and Benefits: Base salary range for this role is TBD+ 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 unlimited paid time off, medical/dental/vision/ coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged! If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know. Export Compliance As defined in the ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a “U.S. Person.” The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license. Equal Opportunity K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Responsibilities

As an Avionics Thermal Design Engineer, you will drive the detailed thermal design of spacecraft subsystems and explore different thermal management strategies. You will work with various teams to develop robust thermal designs and execute thermal testing.