Senior Thermal Analysis Engineer

About the role

Varda is seeking a Senior Thermal Analysis Engineer to join our dynamic team. This position serves as a key member of the vehicle engineering team, responsible for developing and maintaining thermal system architectures and collaborating cross-functionally to ensure spacecraft health and performance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain integrated thermal analysis models for Varda’s space vehicles
• Create and maintain tools/systems for model and flight data processing
• Ensure spacecraft remains within operating and survival limits during all mission phases via passive and active thermal control
• Collaborate with other spacecraft disciplines to drive hardware, software, and/or con-ops improvements
• Plan, execute, and anchor models to Thermal Vacuum (TVac) testing
• Provide guidance to vehicle level testing, such as thermal bakeout, Vehicle-In-The-Loop (VITL), propulsion hot fire, etc.
• Work independently with minimal technical oversight
• Mentor junior engineers and serve as a technical peer reviewer

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or a related discipline, with consideration given to equivalent professional experience (typically 3–6+ years)
• 3+ years of experience and knowledge in developing passive and active thermal control systems
• Proficiency in detailed thermal analysis in Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT
• Experience anchoring thermal models to test and/or flight data
• Experience in planning and executing Thermal Vacuum Chamber (TVac) testing
• Familiarity with thermal margins and qualification test requirements in SMC-S-016
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an aptitude for interdisciplinary technical communication

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Master's degree in a related engineering discipline and 3+ years of related professional experience
• Experience of an entire spacecraft vehicle lifecycle, from initial concept, design development, production, integration, and test to mission operations
• Experience in thermal design and analysis of reentry systems
• A track record of taking ownership of projects and delivering results in a fast-paced environment