Thermal Engineer

Thermal Engineer – Spacecraft and Satellite Systems

This onsite Thermal Engineer role focuses on the thermal analysis, modeling, and testing of circuit cards, electronic assemblies, and satellite components to ensure reliable performance in harsh space environments. The engineer will support spacecraft and satellite design efforts from concept through environmental qualification, working closely with multidisciplinary teams to integrate robust thermal solutions into complex space hardware.

Responsibilities

• Perform detailed thermal analyses on circuit cards, electronic assemblies, and spacecraft hardware using industry-standard thermal analysis tools.
• Develop and refine thermal models to support design decisions for satellites and other space systems.
• Evaluate thermal performance of components and assemblies, identify potential issues, and propose design improvements to enhance reliability and efficiency.
• Support thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing, thermal cycling, and other environmental qualification activities for space hardware.
• Collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams to integrate thermal considerations into multidisciplinary designs.
• Prepare clear and comprehensive technical documentation, including analysis reports and presentations for internal and external design reviews.
• Work with manufacturing and test teams to ensure thermal design intent is maintained throughout the product lifecycle, from build through test and integration.
• Support mechanical design projects by contributing thermal analysis, thermal design, and thermal engineering expertise.
• Assist in satellite integration and test activities, ensuring thermal requirements and constraints are properly addressed.
• Support environmental testing campaigns by helping define test conditions, reviewing data, and correlating results with thermal models.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of experience in thermal analysis or thermal engineering, preferably on complex electronic or space-related hardware.
• Hands-on experience performing thermal analysis for circuit cards, electronic assemblies, and spacecraft or similar high-reliability systems.
• Strong background in thermal design and thermal engineering principles, including conduction, convection, and radiation heat transfer.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related engineering field.
• Experience collaborating with electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering teams on integrated hardware designs.
• Ability to develop, run, and interpret thermal models to support design decisions.
• Proficiency in mechanical engineering fundamentals relevant to thermal design.
• Ability to prepare clear technical documentation, analysis reports, and presentations for design reviews.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in spacecraft or satellite thermal design, including thermal control strategies for space environments.
• Proficiency with thermal analysis tools such as Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, ESATAN, or similar software.
• 2+ years of mechanical design experience using CAD tools such as SolidWorks or comparable 3D modeling software.
• Experience with CFD tools or heat transfer simulation software for detailed thermal modeling.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and design requirements to inform thermal analysis and design decisions.
• Experience with satellite integration and test activities, including coordination with multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience supporting environmental testing such as thermal vacuum (TVAC) and thermal cycling.
• Familiarity with high-density circuit card analysis and electronic packaging for space applications.
• Familiarity with reliability engineering concepts and component derating practices for space hardware.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite in Cape Canaveral and involves working in a highly technical engineering environment focused on spacecraft and satellite systems. The Thermal Engineer will collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, systems, manufacturing, and test teams, using tools such as thermal analysis software (e.g., Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, ESATAN or similar) and CAD platforms like SolidWorks. Work includes both office-based analysis and documentation as well as hands-on support of environmental testing activities such as thermal vacuum and thermal cycling. The environment emphasizes precision, collaboration, and rigorous engineering standards to ensure reliable performance of space hardware.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Merritt Island, FL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $46.00 - $53.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Merritt Island, FL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 21, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.