Staff Thermal Engineer

Turning Space into a Transportation Layer for Earth Who We Are: Inversion builds advanced reentry systems to deliver next-generation capabilities from space. Our mission is to make Earth radically more accessible by turning Low-Earth Orbit into an on-demand logistics domain. We see space not as a destination, but as a platform — one that unlocks unprecedented speed and global reach. Our spacecraft are designed to deliver payloads anywhere on Earth in under an hour, operating through extreme reentry conditions and landing with high precision. These systems open the door to new ways of testing, delivering, and operating at hypersonic speeds. Inherently dual-use, our technology is built to meet urgent national security needs while laying the groundwork for future commercial applications. Backed by leading investors including Y Combinator, Spark Capital, and Lockheed Martin Ventures, and working with partners such as the U.S. Space Force and NASA, Inversion is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space-based defense and logistics. What You'll Do As a Staff Thermal Engineer at Inversion, you will report directly to the Senior Manager of Arc Vehicle Reentry. In this role, you will be the primary technical authority on spacecraft thermal design, modeling, and thermal protection system (TPS) sizing. You will define the thermal architecture for our hypersonic reentry vehicles to ensure structures, avionics, payloads, and mechanical flight controls survive extreme reentry environments. You will lead complex multi-physics analysis efforts, establish company-wide thermal standards, mentor senior engineers, and translate high-level program requirements into validated, flight-ready thermal control systems. Key Responsibilities Define the overall spacecraft thermal control system (TCS) architecture and design standards across all product lines. Lead high-fidelity, transient thermal analysis including 3D conjugate heat transfer (CHT) modeling, aerodynamic heating boundary conditions, and internal radiative/conductive heat transfer. Own the sizing, selection, and structural interface design of thermal protection systems (TPS) and internal insulation materials. Analyze and optimize thermal conductances of structural joints, mechanical isolators for flap actuators, and electronic compartment packaging. Partner directly with the aerothermal, structures, GNC, and propulsion teams to execute multi-disciplinary design trade studies and vehicle performance optimizations. Establish thermal testing standards and lead thermal vacuum (TVAC) and high-temperature material testing qualification campaigns. Correlate thermal models against flight and ground test data, including arc-jet testing, to reduce modeling uncertainty and validate designs. Mentor senior and mid-level engineers across the organization on first-principles thermal design, analysis tools, and best practices. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent technical experience. Typically 8+ years of experience in thermal design, modeling, and analysis of high-temperature aerospace vehicles, such as launch vehicles, reentry capsules, satellites, or tactical hardware. Expertise in industry-standard thermal analysis software, such as Thermal Desktop, ANSYS Thermal, or equivalent tools. Strong foundational knowledge of multi-physics heat transfer (conduction, radiation, high-speed convection) and thermodynamics. Demonstrated experience taking complex thermal systems through the complete lifecycle from conceptual design through hardware testing. Proven ability to operate independently, make high-consequence technical decisions under uncertainty, and establish company-wide technical standards. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. This position is on-site at Inversion HQ in Playa Vista, CA. Desired Qualifications Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a focus on heat transfer, fluid dynamics, or thermodynamics. Direct experience modeling aerothermal hypersonic environments, plasma interactions, or conjugate heat transfer (CHT) coupled with CFD solvers. Hands-on experience executing and post-processing thermal vacuum (TVAC) or high-intensity radiant thermal testing. Prior experience working in startups and/or small independent teams. Our office headquarters is located in Playa Vista, CA. This position requires in office presence. The California annual base salary for this role is currently $161,000-$221,000. Pay Grades are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual pay will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: interviews and an assessment of several factors that are unique to each candidate, job-related skills, relevant education and experience, certifications, abilities of the candidate and internal equity. ITAR Compliance: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here. Equal Employment Opportunity: Inversion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or disability. 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