Thermal Engineer

Department: Analysis

Location: San Carlos, California

Employment Type: FullTime

About Aetherflux

Aetherflux is solving the global energy crisis by building the infrastructure for abundant, resilient, and continuous space-based solar energy. We are tackling humanity’s most complex engineering challenge with a world-class team dedicated to delivering a revolutionary power platform. Aetherflux is transforming how civilization powers, computes, and connects—from orbit to Earth.

Thermal Engineer

The Thermal Engineer will design, analyze, and implement thermal management solutions for our space-based power transmission platform. This role will focus on developing thermal control strategies for high-power laser systems, spacecraft electronics, and structural components operating in extreme space environments. The ideal candidate will have experience with spacecraft thermal design, analysis, and testing, ensuring reliable performance in Low Earth Orbit.

Responsibilities

• Thermal System Design: Develop spacecraft thermal management architectures, including active and passive cooling solutions for high-power laser payloads.

• Thermal Analysis & Modeling: Utilize thermal simulation tools such as ANSYS, Thermal Desktop, and COMSOL to predict system behavior in space conditions.

• Heat Transfer Optimization: Design heat exchangers, radiators, and phase change materials for optimal thermal performance.

• Vacuum & Radiation Considerations: Evaluate the effects of vacuum, radiation, and extreme temperature fluctuations on spacecraft thermal systems.

• Thermal Testing & Validation: Develop and execute thermal vacuum chamber tests, thermal cycling tests, and in-orbit validation plans.

• Integration with Mechanical & Electrical Systems: Collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers to ensure seamless integration of thermal management solutions.

• Material Selection: Identify space-grade thermal materials, coatings, and insulation for spacecraft structures.

• Reliability & Safety: Conduct failure mode analysis and implement redundancy in thermal control systems.

• Collaboration: Work with optics, avionics, and propulsion teams to address thermal constraints in system design.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

• 3+ years of experience in thermal engineering, thermal analysis, or spacecraft thermal systems.

• Proficiency with thermal modeling software such as ANSYS, Thermal Desktop, COMSOL, etc.

• Strong understanding of heat transfer principles, including conduction, convection, and radiation in space.

• Experience designing and testing radiators, heat pipes, and phase-change materials.

• Knowledge of spaceflight hardware qualification and environmental testing.

• Familiarity with vacuum chamber thermal testing and in-orbit thermal management strategies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.

• 5+ years of experience designing thermal systems for spacecraft, aerospace, or high-power laser applications.

• Experience with cryogenic cooling, thermoelectric cooling, and advanced thermal coatings.

• Hands-on experience with spacecraft thermal integration and flight testing.

• Familiarity with radiation shielding techniques and space-qualified thermal materials.

• Strong analytical skills and ability to solve complex thermal design challenges.

Benefits

• Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) retirement savings plan

• Unlimited paid time off

• 10 paid holidays per calendar year

• Paid leave for new parents

• Relocation assistance