Thermal Design Engineer
K2 Space
Los Angeles
K2 is building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, unlocking performance levels previously out of reach across every orbit. Backed by over $1 billion in total funding from leading investors including Altimeter Capital, ICONIQ, Kleiner Perkins, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, and T. Rowe Price — and with over $1 billion in signed contracts across commercial and US government customers, we're mass-producing the highest-power satellite platforms ever built for missions from LEO to deep space.
The rise of heavy-lift launch vehicles is shifting the industry from an era of mass constraint to one of mass abundance, and we believe this new era demands a fundamentally different class of spacecraft. Engineered to survive the harshest radiation environments and to fully capitalize on today's and tomorrow's massive rockets, K2 satellites deliver unmatched capability at constellation scale and across multiple orbits.
With multiple launches in 2027 and plans to scale to 100 satellites a year, we're Building Bigger — helping develop the solar system and build toward a Kardashev Type II (K2) civilization. If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you're excited about contributing to the success of a high-growth Series D-funded company, we'd love for you to apply.
The Role
As a Thermal Design Engineer you will be a core driver of the detailed thermal design of spacecraft subsystems by running thermal analysis at both the component and spacecraft level. You will also be involved in exploring different thermal management strategies and demonstrating them through test campaigns. Our ideal candidate has experience with in-orbit integrated thermal analysis of spacecraft components using both first principles as well analytical models using software tools (such as Thermal Desktop, Ansys IcePak, and Python for automation purposes). Hands-on experience with thermal testing for spacecraft components such as thermal cycling and TVAC is highly preferred.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain thermal models for spacecraft and sub-components using Thermal Desktop and Ansys
- Set up and execute thermal testing ranging from development to qualification
- Work with experienced thermal engineers to learn common modeling practices and support weekly tasks that address business needs
- Work with other engineering subsystems owners to develop robust thermal design for avionics boxes and other electro-mechanical subsystems
- Collaborate with avionics teams to develop thermal models and thermal tests for electronic assemblies
- Work with mechanical teams to develop passive and active thermal control hardware for the spacecraft including radiators, heaters, heat pipes, surface coating etc..
Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience with radiative and conductive thermal modeling of spacecraft systems using Thermal Desktop or similar tools
- 3+ years of experience with selection, sizing, and design of thermal control hardware including, but not limited to, heat pipes, heaters, SSM, OSR, thermal straps, thermal paints, tapes, MLI, TEC, etc.
- 1+ year of experience with thermal cycling and thermal vacuum testing including predictions, setup, instrumentation and thermal model correlation
Nice to Have
- Experience with full-vehicle thermal vacuum testing and model correlation
- Experience with integrated thermal analysis of spacecraft and launch vehicles
- Experience with electrical PCBA thermal modeling and thermal interface materials (thermal grease, gap pads, etc.)
- Familiarity with SMC-S016 standard or equivalent
- Experience with spacecraft primary radiator design and analysis
- Knowledge of Atlassian software environments
- Experience with Python, C/C++, or Matlab for thermal modeling and automated data analysis
Compensation and Benefits:
- Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $215,000 + equity in the company
- Salary will be based on several factors including, but not limited to: knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
- Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision/ coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks
If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills and experience, we encourage you to still apply! Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other and non-traditional career twists and turns are encouraged!
If you need a reasonable accommodation as part of your application for employment or interviews with us, please let us know.
Export Compliance
As defined in the ITAR, “U.S. Persons” include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (i.e., Green Card holders), and certain protected individuals (e.g., refugees/asylees, American Samoans). Please consult with a knowledgeable advisor if you are unsure whether you are a “U.S. Person.”
The person hired for this role will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including the export control regulations outlined in the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). The person hired for this role must therefore either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.
Equal Opportunity
K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with K2 Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
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