Thermal Analysis Engineer - Orion Passive Thermal Control Systems

Are you passionate about human space exploration, advancing our understanding of the universe, and working alongside a diverse, high-performing team to make a real impact? If so, we want you on our team.

Join us in shaping the future of spaceflight. As NASA's largest engineering solutions provider, we collaborate across NASA centers nationwide to tackle the most exciting challenges in deep space exploration. We are currently seeking a Thermal Analysis Engineer to support the Orion Passive Thermal Control Systems (PTCS) on the NASA PESSII contract.

As a Thermal Analysis Engineer, you will support the development, modeling, and analysis of passive thermal control systems for spacecraft such as NASA's Orion vehicle and other platforms intended for lunar and Mars missions. You will play a key role in ensuring hardware performance through all phases-from design and testing to flight and on-orbit operations.

• Perform thermal simulations and evaluate the performance of passive thermal control systems for Orion and other next-generation NASA vehicles and habitats.

• Develop detailed thermal models using Thermal Desktop, SINDA, and AutoCAD, applying both analytical tools and first-principles methods.

• Correlate thermal models with test and flight data to ensure system fidelity and reliability.

• Participate in the planning, execution, and review of technical tasks, including work package planning, evaluations, verification, and hardware development.

• Support resolution of thermal anomalies and integration issues during hardware development and on-orbit operations.

• Participate in reviews and technical forums to assess and validate system design, operational planning, and contractor-delivered data-including technical requirement closures, waivers, and exceptions.

• Provide thermal control expertise across all development phases-design, test, integration, and verification-serving as a subject matter expert in program boards, working groups, and problem resolution teams.

• Support inspection and test activities at the vehicle build site, including hands-on work with PTCS hardware installations.

• Work closely with technicians, engineers, and leadership across NASA and Lockheed Martin (LM) teams to identify and resolve hardware or integration issues.

• Brief Orion senior management on technical impacts, schedule risks, and mitigation strategies.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Aerospace preferred) from an accredited university.

• Typically 5-10 years of relevant experience in thermal analysis or aerospace engineering roles.

• Proficiency with Thermal Desktop, SINDA, and AutoCAD.

• Experience programming in FORTRAN.

• Familiarity with large-scale, multi-system vehicle models and their thermal interactions.

• Strong technical writing and analytical skills, with the ability to present and defend conclusions using data.

• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills; comfortable working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

• Minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in passive thermal control system engineering.

• Background in defining and validating thermal requirements for spaceflight hardware.

• Experience developing and reviewing spacecraft thermal simulation models at varying levels of fidelity.

• Programming experience in Python or MATLAB.

• Prior experience working with NASA programs or large-scale aerospace development projects.

• Exciting opportunities to contribute to NASA's return to the Moon and future Mars missions.

• Excellent career development in a mission-driven environment.

• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off, when applicable).

• On-site cafeteria (breakfast and lunch).

• Supportive, innovation-focused culture with growth opportunities.

• Learn more at www.wehavespaceforyou.com.

Additional Requirements:

• Proof of U.S