Thermal Engineer (Falcon, Dragon, & Starfall)
SpaceXUSA2d ago
Engineeringremotecurated-jd
Job description
Thermal Engineer (Falcon, Dragon, & Starfall) at SpaceX.
About the role
This position involves full-cycle thermal design for SpaceX launch vehicles and spacecraft. You will manage hardware development from initial concept through flight validation, ensuring components maintain operational limits during all mission phases.
Key facts
What you'll do
- Manage end-to-end thermal design for spacecraft and launch vehicle hardware.
- Perform high-level trade studies, 3D and reduced-order modeling, and CAD integration.
- Validate designs against ground test, flight, and orbital data.
- Determine thermal protection system sizing, heater requirements, and coolant loop architecture.
- Automate workflows to increase design cycle efficiency.
- Document engineering work to maintain quality and minimize errors.
- Conduct peer reviews and resolve technical issues.
Requirements
- Bachelor degree in an engineering discipline.
- Minimum 1 year of experience with Python, MATLAB, or EES (academic projects and internships qualify).
- Must be available for extended hours and weekends as required.
- Must meet ITAR requirements: U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
Nice to have
- Experience with Thermal Desktop and ANSYS Workbench.
- Proficiency in Sinda/Fluint and FIAT.
- Background in propulsion and vehicle fluid system design.
- Knowledge of aerodynamics and aerothermal analysis.
- Familiarity with CFD tools including FUN3D, DPLR, US3D, LociChem, Pointwise, or StarCCM+.
Skills & tools
- 3D and reduced-order thermal modeling.
- Thermal protection system sizing.
- CAD and design validation.
- Technical documentation.
Practical notes
Salary ranges: Level I ($100,000 - $117,500 per year) and Level II ($115,000 - $140,000 per year). Total compensation includes potential long-term incentives (stock or cash), discretionary bonuses, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k), disability and life insurance, paid parental leave, 3 weeks of vacation, and 10+ paid holidays. SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer.