Senior Thermal Engineer

Muon Space is hiring a Senior Thermal Engineer to own instrument-level thermal engineering across missions (SBEM, Quickbeam, Hydrosat) — models, hardware, and verification end-to-end — while contributing to spacecraft-level thermal balance. You'll be a recognized technical voice who works across disciplines to land elegant, well-balanced designs. This position is hybrid and requires working on-site in our San Jose, CA office three days per week.

Responsibilities

• Own instrument thermal models and drive instrument NRE and per-mission-block design improvements.
• Own the thermal V&V test plan, including model correlation, for instruments.
• Own thermal hardware ICDs (heat straps, radiators) and performance requirements.
• Contribute to full-spacecraft thermal balance and system thermal model integration.
• Support system-level testing and define thermal limits and margins to other subsystems.
• Mentor junior thermal engineers and serve as the technical go-to for instrument thermal.

Requirements

• 8+ years (BS+8 / MS+6) in spacecraft or aerospace thermal engineering.
• Expert in thermal simulation and full-spacecraft thermal balance.
• Experience designing, executing, and correlating TVAC and unit-level thermal tests.
• Fluency across thermal-mechanical interfaces (ICDs, margins, requirements flow-down).
• B.S. or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, Physics, or a related field.

Skills

• Scripting in Python or Matlab.
• Systems-engineering experience.
• Experience with IR-imaging systems or spacecraft payloads.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $183,000 - $198,000, plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be determined based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location as assessed during the interview process.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401k retirement plan.
• Short & long term disability and life insurance.
• Three weeks paid vacation for new employees, along with 12 paid holidays.
• Unlimited sick time.
• Paid parental leave.

Schedule

Hybrid role requiring on-site work in San Jose, CA three days per week.

This position requires access to export-controlled information. Applicants must be U.S. persons (U.S. citizens, nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees) or eligible to obtain the required export authorization.