Thermal Engineer

About the role

The Thermal Engineer will design, analyze, implement and demonstrate thermal management solutions for Cowboy Space’s space‑based power and compute platform. This role focuses on high‑power laser systems, compute modules and spacecraft electronics operating in Low Earth Orbit.

Key responsibilities

• Develop spacecraft thermal management architectures, including active and passive cooling for high‑heat‑flux components.
• Perform thermal analysis and modeling using ANSYS Thermal Desktop to predict system behavior in space conditions.
• Optimize component‑ and system‑level models to achieve the best trade‑off among size, weight and power.
• Plan, support and execute thermal‑cycle and thermal‑vacuum tests to validate flight‑worthiness.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, optics, avionics and propulsion teams to ensure seamless integration of thermal solutions.
• Select space‑grade thermal materials, coatings and insulation for spacecraft structures.
• Conduct failure‑mode analysis and implement redundancy for reliability and safety.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in thermal analysis and design of spacecraft thermal systems.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics and heat‑transfer fundamentals.

Required skills

• Proficiency with ANSYS Thermal Desktop for thermal simulation.
• Experience conducting thermal‑vacuum and thermal‑cycle testing.
• Knowledge of space‑grade thermal materials, coatings and insulation.