Senior Thermal Engineer (Spacecraft)

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates moving to Pittsburgh. Occasional travel may be required for project-based onsite support, with stays of up to one week.

Company

hirify.global develops mission-critical aerospace, defense, and national security technologies, including lunar and spacecraft systems.

What you will do

• Lead and support the design, integration, testing, and operation of thermal control systems for spacecraft, lunar landers, lunar surface power systems, rovers, and related space systems.
• Create conceptual and detailed thermal designs based on orbital trajectories, mission operations, lander architecture, and thermal control requirements.
• Build and run thermal models and perform trade studies to guide spacecraft design and mission operations.
• Support suppliers by developing component specifications, reviewing manufacturing processes, and verifying requirements through testing and analysis.
• Coordinate with program management, systems engineering, and spacecraft subsystem teams on requirements, schedules, design progress, and risks.
• Prepare integration instructions, test plans, mission operations procedures, and support cleanroom assembly, TVAC testing, and real-time mission operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or a similar engineering discipline with 8 years of spacecraft thermal systems experience, or a master’s degree with 6 years of related experience.
• Knowledge of spacecraft thermal system architecture, standards, best practices, components, and suppliers.
• Experience designing or analyzing thermal components such as heaters, sensors, radiators, multi-layer insulation, coatings, and heat pipes.
• Experience with component specifications, vendor management, and requirements verification.
• Experience with fluid-thermal design and analysis software; Thermal Desktop, Ansys Thermal, or Amesim experience is preferred.
• Must be a U.S. Person eligible to access ITAR-controlled information and obtain required export authorizations. Ability to lift, move, or carry equipment up to 25 pounds is also required.

Nice to have

• Experience designing, building, and testing active thermal control systems using pumped fluid loops.
• Experience taking a concept from initial idea through final product.
• Proficiency in CAD, preferably SolidWorks, and lifecycle management tools.
• Systems engineering experience coordinating complex interactions across spacecraft subsystems.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible Time Off and programs supporting physical and mental well-being.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and families, with significant company contributions.
• 401(k) plan with a 50% company match on contributions up to 8%.
• Flexible gym membership options and additional voluntary benefits.
• Mission-driven environment focused on aerospace, defense, and national security technology.