Thermal Engineer, Thermal & Fluid Analysis

About the role

As a Thermal Engineer on the Thermal & Fluid Analysis team at SpaceX, you will play a crucial role in the development and optimization of hardware for our reusable spacecraft. This position is centered around enhancing vehicle performance for missions targeting Earth orbit, as well as lunar and Martian explorations. You will be involved in a dynamic environment where innovative solutions and rigorous testing are paramount to our success.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Oversee the thermal design processes for launch vehicles and spacecraft, guiding projects from initial analysis through to the validation of flight data.
• Develop automated workflows aimed at reducing the time needed for mission-specific thermal and fluid analysis.
• Assess vehicle performance and identify areas for improvement, implementing solutions that enhance overall efficiency.
• Streamline operational procedures to alleviate the workload of other departments, ensuring a more cohesive workflow within the team.
• Produce comprehensive technical documentation that enhances team productivity and accuracy in project execution.
• Review and critique the work of colleagues, providing constructive feedback to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that thermal and fluid analysis aligns with overall mission objectives.
• Utilize simulation tools to predict thermal behavior and fluid dynamics under various mission scenarios.
• Participate in testing phases, analyzing data to validate design choices and inform future iterations.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in thermal and fluid analysis technologies to apply best practices in your work.
• Engage in problem-solving sessions to tackle complex engineering challenges as they arise.
• Contribute to the development of innovative thermal management solutions that support SpaceX's ambitious goals.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline is required.
• At least one year of experience with engineering simulation software, which can include internships or academic projects.
• Candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees to comply with ITAR regulations.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data sets.
• Familiarity with thermal and fluid dynamics principles.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Nice to have

• A master's degree in an engineering field is preferred.
• A minimum of two years of professional experience specifically in fluid or thermal analysis.
• In-depth knowledge of spacecraft or launch vehicle systems is a significant advantage.
• Experience with 0-D and 1-D thermal or fluid network modeling.
• Proficiency in using ANSYS Workbench or Thermal Desktop for simulation purposes.
• Capability to write scripts in Python to automate tasks and enhance analysis efficiency.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey complex technical concepts clearly.
• Ability to thrive under pressure and meet tight deadlines without compromising quality.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in MATLAB for data analysis and visualization.
• Experienced in Python for scripting and automation tasks.
• Familiar with Thermal Desktop for thermal modeling and analysis.
• Knowledgeable in ANSYS Workbench for engineering simulations.
• Understanding of 0-D and 1-D thermal and fluid network modeling techniques.

Practical notes

• Willingness to work weekends and extended hours as project demands dictate is essential.
• SpaceX is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, fostering an inclusive workplace for all employees.
• For reasonable accommodation requests or inquiries regarding the Affirmative Action Plan, please contact EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects at SpaceX, where your expertise in thermal and fluid analysis will directly impact the future of space exploration. Join us in our mission to make life multi-planetary!

About the company

Based in Starbase, Texas, a company pursues work in spaceflight, telecom, and artificial intelligence. A unit handles rocket launches, leading yearly orbital counts beyond other national and commercial teams. Another unit runs Starlink, a satellite communications firm. A third area, through SpaceXAI, advances Grok and AI integration with X, while managing data center operations. Roles often cross these paths. Candidates with engineering, software, or operations backgrounds may find chances to join projects that span launch, connectivity, and machine learning efforts in this Texas-based enterprise.