Orbital Operations Verified
Aerospace, Defense, Satellite Technology, Space Operations
Fluids Design Engineer - Heat Exchangers
Long Beach, California, United StatesRemoteFull Time$100,000–$175,000 /yrPosted 2 months agoHidden Gem · YC Startup
Role summary
Orbital Operations is seeking a Fluid Systems Engineer to design and develop heat exchangers for their Cryogenic Propulsion Management System (CPMS). This role involves designing thermal management hardware for integration with reverse Brayton cycle systems, turbomachinery, and cryogenic storage. The engineer will perform thermal and fluid analysis, collaborate with other teams, support simulations, and work with fabrication partners. The ideal candidate has experience in thermal-fluid systems for aerospace or similar high-performance environments.
**About the role**
Orbital Operations is seeking a highly motivated Fluid Systems Engineer to lead the design and development of heat exchangers critical to our Cryogenic Propulsion Management System (CPMS). You will design thermal management hardware that integrates with reverse Brayton cycle (RBC) systems, high-performance turbomachinery, and low-loss cryogenic storage. The ideal candidate brings experience designing and prototyping thermal-fluid systems for aerospace or other high-performance environments and is excited to help shape the infrastructure for a more maneuverable space domain.
**Key Responsibilities include:**
* Lead conceptual and detailed design of cryogenic heat exchangers, including plate-fin, printed circuit, and custom compact geometries.
* Perform thermal and fluid flow analysis across operating conditions typical of in-space cryogenic systems (e.g. LOX, LH2, GN2, GH2).
* Collaborate with the turbomachinery and RBC subsystem teams to ensure thermal interfaces and system dynamics are optimized for performance, reliability, and thermal stability.
* Support system modeling and simulations (FEA, CFD) to validate heat exchanger performance and optimize geometry under extreme space environments.
* Interface with fabrication partners to develop manufacturing approaches for high-precision cryogenic heat exchangers.
### **Required Qualifications**
* B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
* 3+ years of experience in heat exchanger or cryogenic thermal system design in aerospace or similar hardware-focused industry.
* Proficiency in thermal/fluid simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, STAR-CCM+, COMSOL).
* Experience with materials and fabrication methods relevant to cryogenic and vacuum environments (e.g., brazing, diffusion bonding, welded alloys).
* CAD proficiency (e.g., SolidWorks, NX, or equivalent).
* Strong written and verbal communication skills.
* Familiarity with systems engineering practices and traceable design processes
### **Preferred Qualifications**
* Experience with cryogenic propulsion systems, reverse Brayton cycles, or compact high-performance heat exchangers.
* Working knowledge of aerospace fluid system standards (e.g., NASA-STD-5017, ASME BPVC VIII).
* Hands-on experience with prototyping, testing, or qualifying flight hardware.
* Programming skills in Python or MATLAB for data reduction or automation of analysis workflows.
Orbital Operations is seeking a highly motivated Fluid Systems Engineer to lead the design and development of heat exchangers critical to our Cryogenic Propulsion Management System (CPMS). You will design thermal management hardware that integrates with reverse Brayton cycle (RBC) systems, high-performance turbomachinery, and low-loss cryogenic storage. The ideal candidate brings experience designing and prototyping thermal-fluid systems for aerospace or other high-performance environments and is excited to help shape the infrastructure for a more maneuverable space domain.
**Key Responsibilities include:**
* Lead conceptual and detailed design of cryogenic heat exchangers, including plate-fin, printed circuit, and custom compact geometries.
* Perform thermal and fluid flow analysis across operating conditions typical of in-space cryogenic systems (e.g. LOX, LH2, GN2, GH2).
* Collaborate with the turbomachinery and RBC subsystem teams to ensure thermal interfaces and system dynamics are optimized for performance, reliability, and thermal stability.
* Support system modeling and simulations (FEA, CFD) to validate heat exchanger performance and optimize geometry under extreme space environments.
* Interface with fabrication partners to develop manufacturing approaches for high-precision cryogenic heat exchangers.
### **Required Qualifications**
* B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
* 3+ years of experience in heat exchanger or cryogenic thermal system design in aerospace or similar hardware-focused industry.
* Proficiency in thermal/fluid simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, STAR-CCM+, COMSOL).
* Experience with materials and fabrication methods relevant to cryogenic and vacuum environments (e.g., brazing, diffusion bonding, welded alloys).
* CAD proficiency (e.g., SolidWorks, NX, or equivalent).
* Strong written and verbal communication skills.
* Familiarity with systems engineering practices and traceable design processes
### **Preferred Qualifications**
* Experience with cryogenic propulsion systems, reverse Brayton cycles, or compact high-performance heat exchangers.
* Working knowledge of aerospace fluid system standards (e.g., NASA-STD-5017, ASME BPVC VIII).
* Hands-on experience with prototyping, testing, or qualifying flight hardware.
* Programming skills in Python or MATLAB for data reduction or automation of analysis workflows.