Thermal Engineer (Aerospace)

Location: Huntington Beach, California, United States; on-site

Salary: $110,000–$150,000 annually for Thermal Engineer; $155,000–$195,000 annually for Senior Thermal Engineer, plus equity.

Company

hirify.global is a defense technology startup founded in 2023 that develops autonomous, scalable, decentralized defense platforms for the United States and its allies.

What you will do

• Design, analyze, and optimize thermal management systems from vehicle-system to component level.
• Analyze heat transfer, thermal loads, and environmental effects on vehicle performance and structural integrity.
• Collaborate with propulsion, structural, and aerodynamics teams to integrate thermal solutions while maintaining performance and manufacturability.
• Develop thermal cycling, environmental testing, validation, and failure-mode-analysis procedures.
• Assess how thermal management systems affect vehicle performance and provide actionable engineering recommendations.
• Create thermal analysis reports, design guidelines, and test documentation.

Requirements

• Experience in thermal analysis for aerospace applications, including engines, avionics, or aircraft structures.
• Strong knowledge of heat transfer, thermal loads, and their impact on avionics and vehicle structures.
• Proficiency with thermal analysis and simulation tools such as STAR-CCM+, Icepak, Simscape, or AMESim.
• Experience with thermal testing, validation, environmental testing, scalable design, and mass-production considerations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States and may need authorization to access technology controlled under U.S. export-control laws without export-license sponsorship.

Nice to have

• Experience with conjugate heat transfer, computational fluid dynamics, rapid prototyping, high-altitude aircraft, satellites, unmanned systems, or defense platforms.
• Experience using Python or MATLAB to analyze results and automate processes.

Culture & Benefits

• Fast-paced, multidisciplinary environment with startup agility.
• Competitive base salary with performance-based incentives and equity participation.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings, and paid time off.
• Funding for continuing education, training, and professional development.
• Commitment to transparent compensation and an inclusive workplace.