Thermal Engineer

Capella Space stands at the forefront of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology and signal intelligence. We provide customers in governments, academia, and commercial sectors with reliable information that enables unparalleled understanding of the world. Our mission is centered on delivering timely and reliable Earth imagery, supporting diverse applications in defense & intelligence, disaster response, energy, environmental monitoring and more. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, Capella Space designs, manufactures and operates an advanced constellation of SAR imaging satellites. Our market-leading SAR satellites are complemented by an unmatched data infrastructure and automated ordering and delivery platform for fast, reliable insights where and when customers need it most. 

Recognized for our technological prowess, Capella Space was honored as one of the 10 most innovative companies in Space in 2023 by FASTCOMPANY. Capella Space is an internationally trusted Earth Observation data provider, working closely with the U.S. Space Systems Command, U.S. Space Force, NASA, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. National Reconnaissance Office, the Canadian Government and more to make unclassified, high-resolution SAR data more accessible.  

What Makes Capella Unique? 

Capella Space is a highly collaborative team environment, providing an opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the space industry, though no prior space experience is needed.  We’re looking for people excited about tackling seemingly impossible challenges, learning new skills and concepts, and helping each other achieve success. Our mission and our products are meant to understand the whole world and help everyone in it - regardless of race, creed, or any other distinction. We encourage you to bring your unique perspective to help make us stronger, including applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. 

About the Role  

Capella is searching for a Thermal Engineer to support the development of space vehicles and components. In this position you will be a key member of the spacecraft team at Capella. The spacecraft team is responsible for the design, build, and test of everything that ultimately goes into space. On the spacecraft team, you will be collaborating cross-functionally with electrical design, RF systems design, flight software, mechanical, and spacecraft operations teams. 

Role Responsibilities

As a spacecraft Thermal Engineer, you will: 

• Conduct research and development for new spacecraft, apply first principles to develop trade studies, perform system sizing and design, and assist with thermal control system design from concept through mission operation
• Define requirements and collaborate with other discipline engineers to manage thermal interfaces
• Present the thermal control system design for feedback from internal and external review teams
• Support assembly and integration activities
• Plan and assist in the thermal vacuum testing of spacecraft hardware including thermal model correlation
• Work with thermal control hardware vendors and keep informed of the industry landscape 

The position is available in-person in Denver/Boulder, CO. Travel may occasionally be required.  

Qualifications

Not All Are Expected

• BS or higher degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline from an accredited institution
• 1-4 years of directly related experience in the field of aerospace thermal engineering and design
• Experience with thermal analysis software (preferably Thermal Desktop) and CAD software (preferably SolidWorks)
• Experience with thermal vacuum testing and correlating thermal models with test data
• Knowledge of spacecraft and spacecraft subsystems
• Capable of taking ownership of projects and working independently, with a strong ability to demonstrate initiative, resourcefulness, and creativity
• Good communications skills, ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and cross-functionally, and enjoyment of learning new skills

Required Qualification

• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Capella Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR 

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