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Thermal Engineer II

Rockville, MD

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.

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