Senior Thermal Control System (TCS) Design Engineer Verified today

K2 Space · Los Angeles, CA · Mechanical · first seen 2026-07-23

The Role

You will own the success of developing, implementing and testing both R&D and production thermal control systems on the spacecraft. You will spearhead the design and verification efforts of active and passive thermal control systems including pump fluid loops, heat pipes and all required ground supporting equipment (test fixtures, diagnostic equipment, instrumentation, software tools). Your work will require familiarity with pressurized systems (valves, pumps, accumulators, heat exchangers), thermo-mechanical instrumentation (temperature sensors, pressure sensors, flow meters), integrated electronics systems, and secondary satellite structures.

You will partner with design engineers early in the process to ensure manufacturability while building the first prototype, design the build flow, and finalize the process for transition to production.

Responsibilities

Work with lead engineers to design active and passive thermal control systems using heat transfer and mechanical equations to size lines, pumps, accumulators, cold plates.
Plan and develop thermal cycle and thermal-vacuum testing campaigns.
Design and develop heater and cooling systems including control architecture.
Setup, commission, and maintain state-of-the-art test stands and instrumentation.
Develop data acquisition systems for active and passive thermal control systems.
Perform tests on novel pump fluid loop including feed systems, power electronics, and hardware-in-the-loop.
Develop testing and control scripts to conduct safe and reliable test campaigns of pump fluid loop and individual components.
Create formal documentation for development and production: test procedures, test reports, and standard operating procedures.
Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical test setups and hardware.
Document, compile, analyze, and present test data.

Required Experience

5+ years of experience with thermal test experience in a high-rate manufacturing environment.
2+ years of experience with sizing and testing fluid systems including pumps, valves, accumulators, heat exchanger, cold plates.
Demonstrated experience with data acquisition for thermal and power related applications.
Experience with test plan development and execution.
Strong experience with thermal and TVAC testing including setup, instrumentation, and troubleshooting.
Demonstrated knowledge of NX or AutoCAD is preferred to design test fixtures.

Nice to Have

Experience with basic and statistical data analysis.
Experience with Thermal Desktop for thermal analysis.
Experience with signal conditioning to define optimal acquisition rate and understand when signal-to-noise ratio is not acceptable.
Experience with pumps testing.
Experience with avionics testing.
Experience with testing refrigeration systems.

Compensation

Base salary range: $140,000 to $250,000 plus equity.
Salary based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience level.
Comprehensive benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, and paid parental leave.

Export Control

This role requires access to items controlled by the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR). You must be a U.S. Person as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.15 (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or certain protected individual) or otherwise eligible for a federally issued export control license.