RiseMe
Quantum Space logo
Quantum Space Verified
Space Technology, Aerospace, Satellite Communications

Thermal Engineer II

Rockville, MDOnsiteFull Time$100,000–$140,000 /yrPosted 7 days ago

Is this role right for you?

Upload your resume and get a skill-by-skill breakdown — see exactly where you match, where you're close, and what to highlight. Not a mystery percentage.

Get a tailored resume highlighting what this role needs.

Required skills

  • on-orbit performance
  • as-built thermal models
  • vendor-supplied thermal documentation
  • spacecraft thermal requirements
  • integration
  • flight readiness
  • engineering content
  • analyses
  • test readiness reviews
  • verification reports

Nice to have

  • orbital dynamics
  • thermal environments
  • mission profiles
  • startup environment
  • NewSpace environment
  • heat pipes

Role summary

Quantum Space is seeking a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer to develop, implement, and validate thermal control solutions for their high-mobility spacecraft platforms. This role involves creating high-fidelity thermal models, collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams, supporting thermal vacuum testing, and ensuring flight readiness. The ideal candidate will have 2+ years of relevant thermal engineering experience, proficiency in thermal analysis tools, and familiarity with spacecraft hardware and testing standards. This position offers ownership, innovation, and impact in a fast-paced startup environment.

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer to contribute to the development, implementation, and validation of thermal control solutions for our spacecraft platforms. In this high-impact role, you will assist in major aspects of spacecraft thermal design, analysis, and verification, working closely with a fast-moving team of engineers and scientists to shape the future of in-space systems.

This role is for an engineer who thrives in a startup-paced environment, can take broad responsibility for thermal system performance, while also rolling up their sleeves for hands-on integration and testing.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

  • Develop high-fidelity spacecraft component thermal models for prediction of on-orbit performance
  • Review, refine, and correlate as-built thermal models and vendor-supplied thermal documentation
  • Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering teams to ensure spacecraft designs meet thermal requirements
  • Support thermal vacuum (TVAC) test planning, execution, correlation, and troubleshooting
  • Develop tools, workflows, and standards within the thermal ecosystem to improve efficiency and repeatability of future programs
  • Generate simplified models, thermal environments, and interface documentation for suppliers and customers
  • Review and approve component and assembly designs for thermal flight readiness
  • Produce engineering content and analyses for design reviews, test readiness reviews, and verification reports
  • Support integration, test, and launch-site operations for spacecraft thermal performance

    • What It Takes

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field
  • 2+ years of relevant thermal engineering experience (spacecraft strongly preferred)
  • Advanced proficiency in Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, or equivalent thermal analysis tools
  • Experience with spacecraft flight hardware, integration, and thermal vacuum testing
  • Familiarity with NASA, commercial, and industry standards for spacecraft design
  • Demonstrated experience correlating thermal models with test data

    • Nice-to-Have Experience

  • Experience with spacecraft operations, thermal limits, and anomaly resolution
  • Knowledge of thermal coatings, adhesives, multilayer insulation (MLI), and related materials
  • Exposure to electrical component thermal modeling and PCB thermal behavior
  • Experience with heat pipes, loop heat pipes, radiators, and advanced thermal hardware
  • Understanding of orbital dynamics and thermal environments across varying mission profiles
  • Prior experience in a fast-paced startup or NewSpace environment

    • What You’ll Get

  • Ownership – Take responsibility for spacecraft thermal system performance, from design and analysis through integration, testing, and flight readiness
  • Innovation – Support transformative aerospace and defense programs enabling next-generation space mobility and operations
  • Impact – Help ensure the thermal performance, reliability, and mission success of next-generation spacecraft
  • Growth – Join a collaborative engineering team working across advanced spacecraft technologies in a fast-paced, innovative environment
  • Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, FSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing

    • Location: Rockville, MD

    Base Salary: $100,000-140,000

    The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.

    Additional Requirements

    To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

    Apply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.

    Ready to apply?
    You'll be redirected to Quantum Space's application page.

    Similar roles

    See how RiseMe works

    Match, tailor, and prep so you send fewer applications and land more interviews.