Thermal Engineer, Structures

About the Company

At Astro Forge, our mission is to make space resources accessible on Earth. We mine asteroids to extract valuable minerals in space at a lower cost and smaller carbon footprint than current terrestrial mining methods. Along the way, we seek to leverage the technologies we build to provide additional value across other domains. We offer a unique opportunity to join an exciting team looking to expand humanity's capabilities in space.

Job Description

Astro Forge is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Thermal Engineer to play a crucial role in the design and operation of our deep space mining spacecraft. You will be responsible for architecting the thermal management systems from initial concept through detailed design, analysis, and testing. This role requires a strong understanding of spacecraft thermal principles, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

You will contribute to the development of innovative thermal solutions that ensure the success of our ambitious missions.

Responsibilities

• Architect the end-to-end thermal control system for deep space mining spacecraft, encompassing subsystems like radiators, multi-layer insulation (MLI), heaters, sensors, and thermal coatings. This includes conducting high-level conceptual trades to evaluate different architectural options based on mission requirements, environmental conditions, and system performance.
• Devise, build, and execute thermal vacuum tests, bake-out tests, and other relevant environmental tests to validate the thermal design performance against predictions. Apply "test-like-you-fly" principles to ensure test setups accurately simulate the operational environment. Analyze test data and correlate results with thermal models to refine design and predictions.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including structural, electrical, propulsion, and mission operations engineers to understand system-level thermal constraints and interfaces. Participate in thermal trades to optimize overall spacecraft design and operational strategies to achieve mission objectives while maintaining thermal integrity.
• Thoroughly document all thermal analysis, design decisions, test plans, and results in clear and concise reports. Establish and improve upon internal tools and processes to streamline thermal design iterations, enhance efficiency, and ensure knowledge capture within the team.
• Provide constructive technical and non-technical feedback to peers during design reviews and contribute to improving key company processes.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline (e.g., Aerospace, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or related field).
• 2+ years professional experience in spacecraft thermal conceptual and detailed design, development, and operations.
• Familiarity with spacecraft environments, including vacuum, solar radiation, and deep space temperatures.
• Strong understanding of fundamental heat transfer principles (conduction, convection, radiation) and thermodynamics.
• Demonstrated ability to perform thermal analysis, including hand calculations and basic modeling.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present technical information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to work onsite in Seal Beach, CA.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in spacecraft thermal conceptual and detailed design, development, and operations.
• Experience with CAD and Thermal Modeling tools for 3D and reduced order modeling, including NX and Simcenter Space Systems Thermal (or similar thermal analysis software integrated with NX).

Benefits

• 100% paid medical, dental, and life insurance coverage
• Vision and FSA benefits available
• 3 weeks of PTO + 1 week of sick time
• 10 paid holidays
• Retirement savings plan - 401(k), with company match
• Equity on the ground floor of a startup

Salary

Level II: $97,250 - $108,500

Level III: $106,250 - $122,500

Level IV: $120,250 - $148,500

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Government.