Senior Thermal Design Engineer (CS-71)
Capella Space, United States
Job Description
About Capella
Capella is at the forefront of making vital information about our world accessible in a timely manner. We’re leveraging proven technologies and building new capabilities to create a constellation of SAR satellites that can collect information about any spot on the planet within an hour.
At Capella you’ll work in a collaborative team environment, alongside smart people with a history of space mission success. No prior space experience is neededwe’re looking for people excited about tackling seemingly impossible challenges, learning new skills and concepts, and helping each other achieve success.
Our mission and our products are meant to understand the whole world and help everyone in it, regardless of race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.
We value diversity at Capella and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit, please apply!
About the Space Systems Ramp;D Team
The Space Systems Ramp;D Team is a multidisciplinary team within the Engineering department. We keep our eye out for the state-of-the-art technologies and bring them to the space vehicle to implement the product road map. Members of the team work across the organization to collaborate on requirements and implementation approaches to deliver innovative new systems.
Requirements
There are two categories contained within Thermal Engineering at Capella Space: System-level and component-level. As a Thermal Engineer, you will be responsible for the component-level category. You will be responsible for ensuring the health and performance of all spacecraft avionics through detailed design and analysis as well as rigorous environmental testing and verification. You will be expected to support a wide variety of thermal projects involving but not limited to communication systems, power storage, propulsion, cameras, and mechanisms. Not only will you design and analyze flight systems, but you will support a multidisciplinary engineering team in bringing these systems to life on the ground through benchtop, thermal ambient, and thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing. Component-level thermal engineering is heavily influenced by, and heavily influences the system-level design; as such, intimate interaction between these two categories is paramount.
A successful candidate is a self-starter who seeks out ways to drastically improve the performance of spacecraft systems and integration and test processes. Because we are a relatively small team of engineers, scientists, and technicians, it is expected that a candidate for this role be enthusiastic about getting his/her hands dirty, so to speak, and assist with the build of flight and test assemblies when needed.
Requirements
- 5+ years of experience analyzing complex PCBA designs (Flotherm XT experience preferred) with a deep understanding of power efficiency, thermal stress and deformation, and heat transport
- Strong proficiency with finite element methods and with creating 1D thermal models with Python, MATLAB, or similar
- Demonstrated ability to design and build thermal solutions for testing hardware on Earth (fluid cooling loops, fan and finned-heat-sink assemblies, etc.)
- A strong understanding of interfacial thermal resistance between similar and dissimilar materials (experience with thermal interface materials strongly preferred)
- Experience interacting with software and electrical engineers to understand the concept of operations of electronics and to define thermal limits for protecting hardware
- Proficiency with MCAD (SolidWorks preferred)
- A genuine interest in satellites and thermal control systems
- A willingness to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities
Required Qualifications (optional-dependent of the requirements):
- This position requires special access to conduct the work and requires the selected candidate to be a US Citizen or Green Card holder.
Benefits
In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
- Medical and Dependent Care Flex Spending
- Short and Long Term Disability and Life Insurance
- FSA and HSA
- 401(k) Plan
- Flexible PTO
- Gourmet-style, Daily Lunch
- Capella Community Events
- Equity