Senior Thermal Systems Design Engineer

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company developing a scalable technology platform to power critical infrastructure, mission operations, and the future of flight. We apply aerospace engineering and quality standards across our products, delivering high performance, reliability, and efficiency for the most demanding operating environments. Astro Mechanica is backed by leading venture and strategic investors, including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Giant Step Capital, United Airlines Ventures, and Voyager Ventures.

WHO WE ARE:

We’re a team of passionate engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace. We’re generalists with specialist depth, united by a flat structure and a shared obsession with building things that work well. We move fast, stay pragmatic, and let engineering excellence speak louder than hierarchy.

WHO YOU ARE:

You are a generalist capable of taking full ownership of thermal management system design from concept to production. You are able to balance system function and requirements against the impacts of the system on adjacent systems and components. You navigate uncertainty and ambiguity by leveraging a strong understanding of first principles. The right person will be able to architect, build, and validate thermal systems from early prototyping through flight qualification, vehicle integration, and flight.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Generate CAD models, detailed engineering drawings, and apply appropriate GD&T
• Architect thermal systems and develop 1-D fluid network models to predict system behavior, transient responses, and sensitivities
• Architect and complete detailed thermal system design and size fluid system components such as pumps, heat exchangers, valves, and regulators
• Use hand calculations and computational tools (CFD) to optimize component and system effectiveness
• Analyze heat loads, conduction paths, and interface temperatures, and define instrumentation to anchor models with test data
• Own and present design reviews to the team
• Assemble prototypes, establish test procedures, and analyze data to verify requirements and performance metrics
• Diagnose thermal system problems efficiently and determine corrective actions

• 5+ years hands-on experience in propulsion or similarly complex thermal environments
• Proficient in CAD modeling (Siemens NX), drawing generation, and GD&T
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid behavior
• Experience designing and analyzing thermal systems using CFD and 1D network modeling tools
• Informed on instrumentation types and limitations, and ability to anchor models with test data
• Takes initiative for continuous improvement (not just completing assigned tasks)
• Flexibility to work in fast-paced environment
• Attentive to detail and maintain a high level of quality in all work

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, including Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) program and transparent stock option plan
• Self-managed and flexible time-off policy, including PTO, paid holidays, and sick time
• Flexible work environment

At Astro Mechanica, we highly value in-office work to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. We consider working in the office five days a week an essential part of the employee's role.

Astro Mechanica is an equal opportunity employer. We proudly recruit and hire a diverse workforce and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Compensation Range: $150K - $225K