Varda Space Industries, Inc.
Thermal Analysis Engineer
Varda Space Industries, Inc., El Segundo, California, United States, 90245
Low Earth orbit is open for business . Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in‑orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules.
From life‑saving pharmaceuticals to powerful fiber optics, many Earth products can only be manufactured in space. Varda accelerates innovation in the orbital economy by creating the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind.
About The Role The Thermal Analysis Engineer serves as a key member of the vehicle engineering team to develop thermal architectures and provide hardware design requirements for all of Varda’s space vehicles. This position will drive spacecraft hardware design and testing, from the vehicle level down to the component level. The role is highly team‑oriented and provides exposure to all aspects of spacecraft analysis and design. A proactive problem‑solving approach and commitment to meeting tight schedules are critical to supporting Varda's goals of expanding manufacturing capabilities and reentry systems.
Responsibilities
Develop and maintain integrated thermal analysis models for Varda’s space vehicles.
Work collaboratively with other spacecraft disciplines to define thermal hardware requirements and iterate on designs based on simulation results.
Publish flight predictions and provide actionable guidance to the larger engineering team.
Ensure the spacecraft remains within operating and survival limits during all mission phases via passive and active thermal control, seeking solutions that provide operational simplicity and system robustness.
Create and maintain tools/systems for thermal simulation and flight data processing.
Inform component‑level acceptance and qualification tests, as well as direct vehicle‑level TVAC test campaigns.
Conduct post‑flight correlations to assess performance and improve thermal models.
Work on open‑ended problems to inform technical decisions, balancing efficiency and fidelity.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related discipline with a minimum of 3+ years of related professional experience.
Familiarity with passive and active thermal control systems.
Experience in detailed thermal analysis and troubleshooting in programs such as Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, ANSYS, or MSC Nastran.
Experience in MATLAB (or equivalent) for data processing and task automation.
Ability to structure open‑ended problems and perform system balance sizing with hand calculations or simplified simulations.
Experience in 0D and 1D thermal and/or fluid networks.
Familiarity with thermal margins and qualification test requirements in SMC‑S‑016.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an aptitude for interdisciplinary technical communication (structures, avionics, software, production, GNC, etc.).
Experience in project management/leadership for a multidisciplinary design or test campaign.
Ability to successfully respond to evolving requirements in a fast‑moving organization.
Excitement about making history at the forefront of both the space and pharmaceutical industries.
Preferred Skills and Experience
Experience with the entire project lifecycle of a spacecraft, from initial concept to mission success.
Familiarity with typical spacecraft thermal control technologies (e.g., heat pipes, pumped fluid systems, thermal blankets, optical coatings).
Experience in thermal design and analysis of reentry systems.
A track record of taking ownership of projects and delivering results in a fast‑paced environment.
Master’s degree in an engineering discipline.
Pay Range
$110,000 – $150,000 per year.
This role is on‑site in El Segundo, CA.
Leveling and base salary are determined by job‑related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance.
Eligibility for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long‑term cash awards.
Benefits
Equity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded).
401(k) matching (interns excluded).
Unlimited PTO (interns excluded).
Health insurance, including vision and dental.
Lunch and snacks provided on site every day; dinners provided twice a week.
Maternity / paternity leave (interns excluded).
Legal and Eligibility Varda, like all employers, ensures that employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Employees have access to export‑controlled items; therefore, Varda hires U.S. persons (citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals) who are permitted to access our technology without an export license. (“US person” means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).)
E‑Verify Statement Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E‑Verify program.
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From life‑saving pharmaceuticals to powerful fiber optics, many Earth products can only be manufactured in space. Varda accelerates innovation in the orbital economy by creating the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind.
About The Role The Thermal Analysis Engineer serves as a key member of the vehicle engineering team to develop thermal architectures and provide hardware design requirements for all of Varda’s space vehicles. This position will drive spacecraft hardware design and testing, from the vehicle level down to the component level. The role is highly team‑oriented and provides exposure to all aspects of spacecraft analysis and design. A proactive problem‑solving approach and commitment to meeting tight schedules are critical to supporting Varda's goals of expanding manufacturing capabilities and reentry systems.
Responsibilities
Develop and maintain integrated thermal analysis models for Varda’s space vehicles.
Work collaboratively with other spacecraft disciplines to define thermal hardware requirements and iterate on designs based on simulation results.
Publish flight predictions and provide actionable guidance to the larger engineering team.
Ensure the spacecraft remains within operating and survival limits during all mission phases via passive and active thermal control, seeking solutions that provide operational simplicity and system robustness.
Create and maintain tools/systems for thermal simulation and flight data processing.
Inform component‑level acceptance and qualification tests, as well as direct vehicle‑level TVAC test campaigns.
Conduct post‑flight correlations to assess performance and improve thermal models.
Work on open‑ended problems to inform technical decisions, balancing efficiency and fidelity.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related discipline with a minimum of 3+ years of related professional experience.
Familiarity with passive and active thermal control systems.
Experience in detailed thermal analysis and troubleshooting in programs such as Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, ANSYS, or MSC Nastran.
Experience in MATLAB (or equivalent) for data processing and task automation.
Ability to structure open‑ended problems and perform system balance sizing with hand calculations or simplified simulations.
Experience in 0D and 1D thermal and/or fluid networks.
Familiarity with thermal margins and qualification test requirements in SMC‑S‑016.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an aptitude for interdisciplinary technical communication (structures, avionics, software, production, GNC, etc.).
Experience in project management/leadership for a multidisciplinary design or test campaign.
Ability to successfully respond to evolving requirements in a fast‑moving organization.
Excitement about making history at the forefront of both the space and pharmaceutical industries.
Preferred Skills and Experience
Experience with the entire project lifecycle of a spacecraft, from initial concept to mission success.
Familiarity with typical spacecraft thermal control technologies (e.g., heat pipes, pumped fluid systems, thermal blankets, optical coatings).
Experience in thermal design and analysis of reentry systems.
A track record of taking ownership of projects and delivering results in a fast‑paced environment.
Master’s degree in an engineering discipline.
Pay Range
$110,000 – $150,000 per year.
This role is on‑site in El Segundo, CA.
Leveling and base salary are determined by job‑related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance.
Eligibility for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long‑term cash awards.
Benefits
Equity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded).
401(k) matching (interns excluded).
Unlimited PTO (interns excluded).
Health insurance, including vision and dental.
Lunch and snacks provided on site every day; dinners provided twice a week.
Maternity / paternity leave (interns excluded).
Legal and Eligibility Varda, like all employers, ensures that employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Employees have access to export‑controlled items; therefore, Varda hires U.S. persons (citizens, lawful permanent residents, or protected individuals) who are permitted to access our technology without an export license. (“US person” means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).)
E‑Verify Statement Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E‑Verify program.
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