Thermal Engineer (All Levels)

Job Description

Job Description

Description

Venturi Astrolab, Inc. (Astrolab) is pioneering new ways to explore and operate on distant planetary bodies. We are singularly focused on designing, building, and operating a fleet of multi-purpose commercial planetary rovers to extend and enhance humanity’s presence in the solar system. We are seeking motivated, creative, and exceptional people to join our world-class team.   

As a Thermal Engineer, you will be responsible for the thermal design, analysis, testing, and validation of Astrolab's hardware and systems. You will work collaboratively across engineering disciplines to optimize thermal management solutions, ensuring the longevity and functionality of our rovers during extended missions in harsh conditions. 
What you'll do:

• Develop thermal control strategies and systems for planetary rovers, including thermal analysis, design, and testing for operation in extreme environments 
• Conduct thermal modeling and simulation, including transient and steady-state thermal analysis for systems exposed to vacuum, radiation, and temperature extremes 
• Perform thermal control system (TCS) design and analysis, ensuring rover components withstand operational loads and environmental hazards 
• Design and validate thermal systems using software tools (e.g., Thermal Desktop, ANSYS, Sinda/Fluent) and physical tests 
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate thermal solutions into overall rover design 
• Automate workflows to streamline thermal analysis processes and reduce engineering cycles 
• Document designs, analysis results, and validation outcomes to support team understanding and future reference 
• Review and provide feedback on the thermal designs and analyses of peers 
• Drive performance improvements and cost-efficient solutions in thermal system design

What you'll bring:

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related STEM field 
• 3+ years of experience in thermal analysis and thermal design 
• Experience using thermal analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, Thermal Desktop, or equivalent software 
• Experience with thermal modeling or finite element analysis (FEA) software 
• Knowledge of heat transfer principles and thermal management systems 
• Experience analyzing thermal test data and simulation results 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Thermal Desktop, ANSYS, SINDA/FLUINT, NX, or similar thermal analysis software 
• Experience with high-performance thermal management systems, including heat pipes, thermal switches, or similar technologies 
• Experience with in-space thermal protection systems, including multi-layer insulation (MLI) or micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) protection 
• Experience with planetary rover systems, spacecraft, or space-grade thermal components 
• Experience with reduced-order thermal modeling techniques 

Benefits and Perks

• Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
• Equity ownership in the company
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Flexible PTO and parental leave
• Home office set up reimbursement
• Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
• Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks