Determines effective analytical approaches for executing vehicle-level trade studies
Owns vehicle level spacecraft thermal models
Creates sub-models for key thermal events to capture effects of engine & plume radiation, Lunar regolith modeling, and other phenomena
Develops thermal control solutions involving Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI), Radiator Covers, and other TCS technologies while assessing impacts to mission cost, schedule, risk
Coordinates thermal environments and vehicle design with customers (NASA, ESA, commercial, etc.)
Responsible for updating and correlating models based on thermal test data
Documents analysis and test for review by responsible engineers, peers, and customers

Required B.S. degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or related field
Experience with Thermal Desktop and other industry analytical simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, NASTRAN, COMSOL, SIMCENTER3D)
Ability to effectively work in a multi-discipline team and provide technical reports
Strong first principles grasp of heat transfer mechanisms
Familiar with spacecraft thermal control methods, hardware, technologies
Working knowledge of Python, MATLAB, MS Excel
Experience with thermal testing equipment and procedures
Strong design and integration skills using 3D CAD software
Demonstrated ability to address multi-tiered analytical problems and effectively communicate results
Advanced degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering (desired)
5+ years of experience in thermal analysis of aircraft or space vehicles during all phases of conceptual design through flight (desired)
Experience with ANSYS SpaceClaim, NX 3D Modeling, NX Space Systems Thermal (desired)
Experience developing physical tests to correlate and validate analysis (desired)
Experience creating MLI Layups, heater circuit design, active thermal control mechanisms, advanced spacecraft TCS technologies (desired)
Demonstrated experience with Thermal Desktop or ANSYS (desired)
Familiarity with GSFC-STD-7001B, SMC-S-016, RCC-319, Spacecraft Payload requirements (desired)
Understanding of advanced thermal-related phenomena such as combustion, diffuse thermal radiation, spectroscopy (desired)

Thermal Engineer – III

Key skills