Board Thermal Simulation Engineer
Role summary
E-Space is seeking a Board Thermal Simulation Engineer to perform component-level and board-level thermal analysis for avionics boards in their satellite constellation program. The role involves modeling thermal behavior, evaluating cooling strategies, and ensuring boards meet temperature requirements across operational modes and orbital environments. Responsibilities include performing detailed thermal analysis, developing simulation models, assessing temperature effects on reliability, and collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams. The position requires a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, 3+ years of experience in electronics thermal analysis, and proficiency with thermal simulation tools.
We are seeking a Board Thermal Simulation Engineer to perform component-level and board-level thermal analysis for all avionics boards in our satellite constellation program. You will model thermal behavior, evaluate cooling strategies, and ensure every board meets its temperature requirements across all operational modes and orbital environments.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform component-level thermal analysis including junction temperature calculation, hot-spot identification, and heat-path evaluation.
- Develop thermal models using analytical methods and simulation tools for steady-state and transient conditions.
- Evaluate and recommend cooling strategies (conduction, convection, radiation, heat spreading) for avionics boards.
- Assess temperature effects on component aging, reliability, and derating requirements.
- Analyze thermomechanical degradation risks including CTE mismatch, solder fatigue, and connector stress.
- Perform system-level thermal budgeting and define thermal interface requirements across subsystems.
- Evaluate environmental thermal loads from orbit-induced temperature swings and operational heat dissipation.
- Select materials based on thermal conductivity, expansion properties, and long-term reliability.
- Validate thermal models with empirical measurements and test data from EM and QM builds.
- Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and reliability engineers for integrated thermal solutions.
- Document thermal requirements, design guidelines, and analysis results.
Required Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with satellite or spacecraft thermal analysis and orbital thermal environments.
- Background in thermal cycling test planning and correlation of simulation to test results.
- Familiarity with Ansys IcePak specifically.
- Experience with system-level thermal budgets and interface management.
- Knowledge of PCB material properties and their thermal behavior.
- Understanding of reliability implications of thermal stress on electronics.
Tools & Technologies:
- Ansys IcePak (or equivalent thermal simulation tool)
- MATLAB or Python for analytical modeling
- CAD tools for geometry import and model setup