Thermal Engineer II

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer to contribute to the development, implementation, and validation of thermal control solutions for our spacecraft platforms. In this high-impact role, you will assist in major aspects of spacecraft thermal design, analysis, and verification, working closely with a fast-moving team of engineers and scientists to shape the future of in-space systems.

This role is for an engineer who thrives in a startup-paced environment, can take broad responsibility for thermal system performance, while also rolling up their sleeves for hands-on integration and testing.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

Develop high-fidelity spacecraft component thermal models for prediction of on-orbit performance

Review, refine, and correlate as-built thermal models and vendor-supplied thermal documentation

Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering teams to ensure spacecraft designs meet thermal requirements

Support thermal vacuum (TVAC) test planning, execution, correlation, and troubleshooting

Develop tools, workflows, and standards within the thermal ecosystem to improve efficiency and repeatability of future programs

Generate simplified models, thermal environments, and interface documentation for suppliers and customers

Review and approve component and assembly designs for thermal flight readiness

Produce engineering content and analyses for design reviews, test readiness reviews, and verification reports

Support integration, test, and launch-site operations for spacecraft thermal performance

What It Takes

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field

2+ years of relevant thermal engineering experience (spacecraft strongly preferred)

Advanced proficiency in Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, or equivalent thermal analysis tools

Experience with spacecraft flight hardware, integration, and thermal vacuum testing

Familiarity with NASA, commercial, and industry standards for spacecraft design

Demonstrated experience correlating thermal models with test data

Nice-to-Have Experience

Experience with spacecraft operations, thermal limits, and anomaly resolution

Knowledge of thermal coatings, adhesives, multilayer insulation (MLI), and related materials

Exposure to electrical component thermal modeling and PCB thermal behavior

Experience with heat pipes, loop heat pipes, radiators, and advanced thermal hardware

Understanding of orbital dynamics and thermal environments across varying mission profiles

Prior experience in a fast-paced startup or NewSpace environment

What You’ll Get

Ownership – Take responsibility for spacecraft thermal system performance, from design and analysis through integration, testing, and flight readiness

Innovation – Support transformative aerospace and defense programs enabling next-generation space mobility and operations

Impact – Help ensure the thermal performance, reliability, and mission success of next-generation spacecraft

Growth – Join a collaborative engineering team working across advanced spacecraft technologies in a fast-paced, innovative environment

Compensation – Competitive salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, FSA, 401(k) matching, and equity sharing

Location:
Rockville, MD

Base Salary:
$100,000-140,000

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Quantum Space's total compensation package.

Additional Requirements

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Apply now. Join us in building the next generation of spacecraft.