Thermal Engineer
Katalyst Space Technologies
Katalyst Description:
At Katalyst, we see human expansion into space not as a distant future, but as a present reality. As this growth accelerates, the need for advanced, reliable spacecraft has never been more critical. We are standing at this forefront specializing in rendezvous and proximity operations creating spacecraft that can reconfigure, refuel, inspect and protect satellites on orbit rapidly, routinely, and regularly. In order to accomplish our mission, we also process data from a network of space-based sensors, both existing and deployable upgrades, using state of the art machine learning and advanced orbital dynamic filtering algorithms to increase space domain awareness, becoming the eyes and ears on orbit.
You might be a great fit for our team if you want to:
- Accelerate your growth—skip the corporate ladder and forge your own path.
- Embrace challenges and ambiguity; both failure and success are steps to solutions.
- Tackle the toughest problems in the space industry and reshape its future, working side by side on a team that’s bought into the mission.
Role Description:
We’re looking for a Thermal Engineer who will own spacecraft thermal system analysis and design from concept through flight. In this role, you’ll work across disciplines to define thermal performance requirements, develop and validate models, and ensure our spacecraft meet mission needs in all environments.
You’ll conduct 0D–3D thermal analysis, define system sizing and hardware requirements, and lead the qualification and acceptance testing that ensures our thermal designs perform as intended. From servicing high-value satellites to enabling high-delta-V missions beyond GEO, your work will directly impact mission success.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead thermal system analysis and management across all aspects of the vehicle to maximize performance and robustness.
- Develop and maintain thermal models, analysis inputs, and documentation; present results to internal and external stakeholders.
- Define system-level thermal requirements in coordination with mechanical, systems, and electrical engineering teams.
- Automate analysis workflows to streamline per-mission evaluation.
- Drive operational simplicity and packaging efficiency while managing cost and schedule constraints.
- Define, develop, and conduct “test like you fly” thermal qualification and acceptance testing.
- Support integration and test activities, troubleshooting issues and validating designs through hardware testing.
Qualifications:
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field (advanced degree a plus).
- 4+ years of industry experience in thermal/fluid analysis (aerospace experience preferred).
- Strong understanding of thermal and fluid mechanics principles.
- Proficiency with 0D/1D thermal/fluid network modeling and tools such as Thermal Desktop.
- Experience with thermal control hardware such as radiators, MLI, heat pipes, and louvers.
- Demonstrated ability to perform major technical trades (vehicle architecture design, P&ID creation, etc.).
- Proficiency with CAD and finite element analysis tools.
- Experience developing budgets, schedules, and resource estimates for engineering efforts.
- Ability to execute in a fast-paced, schedule-driven startup environment.
Preferred:
- Experience taking thermal designs from concept through flight qualification.
- Hands-on experience leading spacecraft thermal vacuum or environmental test campaigns.
- Vendor and subcontractor management experience.
- Mass-efficient design expertise for spaceflight systems.
- Familiarity with applicable aerospace standards and documentation (AFSPCMAN 91-710, RPUG, ASME, API).
Additional Requirements:
Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
Compensation and Benefits:
Anticipated salary range for this role is $90,000 - $140,000
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at Katalyst. You will also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of the Employee Stock Option and Equity Plan, as well as a relocation bonus and other discretionary bonuses. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, and unlimited Paid Time Off.
At Katalyst our work on projects involving the U.S. Department of Defense requires adherence to International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 C.F.R. Parts 120-130, which requires compliance with U.S. export laws before allowing employees to perform certain positions. Currently, our available roles necessitate access to ITAR-controlled information, and as a result, Katalyst would have to ensure any non-US person is authorized access to ITAR information before the commencement of employment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.
