Senior Thermal Engineer

About VardaLow Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is pioneering the advancement of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to dependable and cost-effective reentry capsules.From life-saving pharmaceuticals to enhanced fiber optics, a myriad of products utilized on Earth today can only be produced in space. Varda is driving innovation in the orbital economy by establishing both the products and infrastructure required for space to directly enhance life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic horizons of humanity.Our team is exceptionally equipped to achieve this objective, with leadership and personnel comprising veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, leading pharmaceutical companies, and Silicon Valley. Founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov, Varda is supported by esteemed investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.Varda's headquarters is located in El Segundo, California, where we operate offices and a production facility for building, integrating, and testing our vehicles, equipment, and materials. Additionally, Varda has offices in Washington, DC, and Huntsville, AL.Join Varda and contribute to the creation of a thriving in-space ecosystem.

Join Radiant Industries as a Senior Thermal Engineer, where you will play a crucial role in developing innovative thermal solutions for our cutting-edge projects. You will collaborate with a dynamic team of engineers and scientists to enhance product performance through advanced thermal management techniques.

About Matter IntelligenceMatter Intelligence is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge airborne and spaceborne sensing systems that integrate precision optics, innovative thermal architectures, spacecraft engineering, and AI-enhanced data analysis. Our advanced systems function effectively in challenging orbital and airborne environments, unlocking new possibilities for Earth observation capabilities.With a proven track record of delivering technologies to Mars for NASA/JPL, designing advanced sensors for U.S. defense, and establishing core infrastructure at OpenAI, our team is now focused on creating the next generation of sensing systems for both space and airborne applications.About the RoleWe are looking for a Senior Thermal Engineer who will take charge of the thermal architecture, analysis, and verification of our precision optical payloads and spacecraft systems. This role encompasses ownership of thermal performance from the initial concept stage through integration, testing, and, where applicable, on-orbit operations.You will be responsible for developing and maintaining intricate thermal models, steering thermal trade studies, supporting STOP performance, and collaborating closely with systems, optomechanical, electronics, and AI & T teams to ensure that flight hardware meets all performance requirements throughout every mission phase.This is a hands-on, analytical, and leadership-focused role suited for an engineer seeking significant technical ownership over hardware that operates in flight.Key ResponsibilitiesThermal Architecture & DesignDefine and lead the thermal architecture for optical payloads and spacecraft subsystems.Design both passive and active thermal control solutions, including radiators, heat pipes, thermal straps, insulation, and cryogenic interfaces.Translate mission-level thermal requirements into subsystem- and component-level designs.Support thermal trades to effectively balance performance, mass, power, and complexity.Thermal Modeling & AnalysisDevelop, maintain, and correlate detailed thermal models using industry-standard tools (e.g., Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT).Conduct steady-state and transient thermal analyses across all mission phases (launch, ascent, on-orbit hot/cold cases, safe modes).Perform in-depth thermal analysis of precision optical elements (mirrors, mounts, focal plane assemblies), including thermo-elastic distortion.Execute thermal assessments at the circuit card and chassis level.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Thermal-Hydraulics Engineer to join our dynamic team at Radiant Industries. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing thermal-hydraulic systems to enhance our product offerings. Your expertise will play a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency and reliability of our engineering solutions.As a key member of our team, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative designs, conduct simulations, and perform experiments. If you are passionate about engineering and eager to take on new challenges, we invite you to apply!

Join Radiant Industries as a Senior Thermal Analyst, where you will leverage your expertise in thermal analysis to contribute to innovative projects. In this role, you will be responsible for assessing thermal performance and ensuring optimal design solutions for our cutting-edge products.

Join Radiant Industries as a Senior Thermal Modeling Engineer, where you will play a crucial role in developing advanced thermal models for innovative products. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure thermal performance meets design specifications. Your expertise will contribute to our mission of delivering cutting-edge solutions that enhance user experience.

About VardaPioneering the Future of Low Earth Orbit. Varda is at the forefront of developing commercial space infrastructure, ranging from in-orbit pharmaceutical production to efficient and cost-effective reentry capsules.Our innovations include a variety of products, from life-saving pharmaceuticals to advanced fiber optics, all of which can only be developed in space. Varda is committed to driving progress in the orbital economy by establishing the necessary products and infrastructure to ensure that space can directly enhance life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic horizons of humanity.Our exceptional team is composed of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, and major pharmaceutical firms, along with experts from Silicon Valley. Founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov, Varda has garnered significant support from prestigious investors, including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.Headquartered in El Segundo, California, we operate a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are designed, integrated, and tested. Additionally, we have offices in Washington, DC, and Huntsville, AL.Join Varda and contribute to building a thriving ecosystem in space.About This RoleThe Thermal Engineer will be responsible for conducting thermal analysis and ensuring optimal thermal performance of our spacecraft systems.

Join Radiant Industries as a Senior Thermal Modeling Analyst and leverage your expertise in thermal systems to drive innovation and excellence. In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for conducting advanced thermal modeling analyses, collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop and enhance thermal solutions, and ensuring that our products meet the highest standards of performance and efficiency.

Important Notice: In accordance with U.S. Government Space Technology Export Regulations, applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, conditional residents, asylees, refugees, or eligible for required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.At CesiumAstro, we are at the forefront of innovative communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and various aerospace platforms. Our vibrant and collaborative work environment fosters learning, growth, and engagement across all levels of our organization. If you seek a dynamic, hands-on, and autonomous work culture, CesiumAstro is the right choice for you.We are eager to welcome a Senior Thermal Engineer I to our expanding team. If you excel in your craft, thrive in a startup setting, and are passionate about pioneering hardware for satellites and aerospace systems, we invite you to apply.In this role, you will take charge of designing, analyzing, and validating thermal control systems for Cesium’s next-generation products. The ideal candidate will possess significant experience in developing and analyzing thermal management systems for satellite electronics and airborne systems, along with a profound understanding of space and aerospace thermal environments.As a senior member of our cross-functional team, you will oversee thermal designs from the initial concept phase through requirements definition, detailed design, simulation/analysis, manufacturing, testing, qualification, and in-orbit support of Cesium’s products. You will collaborate closely with electrical and mechanical engineers to devise highly optimized solutions.The successful candidate will also be responsible for presenting engineering design review materials to customers and upper management, as well as participating in proposal-writing initiatives. Therefore, exceptional written and verbal communication skills are essential.

Join Vardaspace as a Thermal Hardware Engineer specializing in Passive & Active Control Systems. In this role, you will be at the forefront of innovative thermal management solutions, ensuring the efficiency and reliability of our cutting-edge technologies. Collaborate with a dynamic team to design, develop, and test thermal hardware components that meet rigorous performance standards.

Join our team at Radiant Industries as a Structural & Thermal Analyst - Turbomachinery. In this pivotal role, you will oversee the structural, thermal, and mechanical performance of high-speed rotating machinery, including compressors, turbines, and pumps utilized in our power generation and primary cooling systems.You will collaborate with mechanical designers, manufacturing engineers, and testing teams to ensure our hardware meets performance expectations under extreme mechanical and thermal conditions. Your contributions will significantly impact Radiant’s mission through trade studies, iterative design, prototype development, simulations, and comprehensive testing.Responsibilities:Conduct structural and thermal analyses of turbomachinery components and assemblies (compressors, turbines, rotors, electric motors, bearings, seals, and housings) to inform design decisions and ensure reliability under operational and transient conditions.Assess static and dynamic mechanical performance, thermal stresses, and coupled thermal-structural interactions.Perform fatigue, durability, and rotor-bearing performance analyses for high-speed rotating systems.Support evaluations of airflow, heat transfer, and temperature distributions within turbomachinery components as part of thermal and structural assessments.Investigate complex interactions between mechanical, thermal, and rotor system behaviors.Collaborate with design, assembly, and testing teams to optimize component designs, assembly processes, and thermal management strategies.Assist in prototype and first-article testing, including integration, instrumentation setup, data collection, and analysis.Document technical results, share findings, and provide actionable insights to cross-functional teams.

Senior Manufacturing EngineerJoin Radiant Industries as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, where you will collaborate with design engineers to revolutionize the production of intricate mechanisms and structures essential to our innovative microreactor technology. Your role will be critical in ensuring the reliability, safety, quality, and timely delivery of the Kaleidos demonstration unit, set for testing at the Idaho National Lab in 2026—marking the first new reactor design in over 50 years.Key Responsibilities:Oversee the manufacturing and inspection processes of vital components and assemblies within the Kaleidos microreactor.Collaborate with design engineers to create innovative production methods for complex mechanisms and structures.Develop, validate, and optimize manufacturing processes to fulfill all design and business requirements, including safety, quality, efficiency, and delivery timelines.Formulate and implement manufacturing specifications and fabrication instructions.Manage the manufacturing bill of materials (mBOM) for components and assemblies.Identify, evaluate, and establish partnerships with suppliers for component sourcing and fabrication.Identify, plan, and execute upgrades to capital equipment, machinery, and layout to adapt to evolving production needs.Lead initiatives that promote continuous improvements in manufacturing processes and product quality.

Join VardaSpace as a Senior Structures Engineer and be at the forefront of innovative aerospace solutions. In this pivotal role, you will lead the design and analysis of structural components for space vehicles, ensuring safety and performance in the demanding environment of space. You will collaborate with a passionate team of engineers and contribute to groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of technology.

At Sift, we are pioneering the future of infrastructure for modern machines, transforming the way they are constructed, tested, and managed. Our innovative platform offers engineers unparalleled real-time observability over high-frequency telemetry, effectively eliminating bottlenecks and facilitating rapid, dependable development.Originating from our groundbreaking work at SpaceX on projects like Dragon, Falcon, Starlink, and Starship, Sift emerged from the need for advanced infrastructure to accommodate complex telemetry, debug flight systems, and ensure mission reliability. Our founding team, with expertise from SpaceX, Google, and Palantir, crafts solutions for mission-critical systems where precision and scalability are paramount.As a pivotal member of our engineering team, you will not only write code but also play a significant role in shaping the architecture, product direction, and culture of a company dedicated to addressing real engineering challenges. If you thrive on tackling intricate technical problems and aspire to build foundational systems that support complex machinery, we encourage you to apply.

Mattel, Inc. seeks a Senior Quality Engineer based in El Segundo. This role centers on upholding and improving quality standards across several product lines. The position plays a key part in ensuring that products meet expectations from development through production. Key responsibilities Use quality assurance methods and tools to enhance processes Monitor product quality at every stage, from development to production Collaborate with teams to ensure products are reliable and meet quality goals This role focuses on both maintaining current standards and identifying opportunities to raise the bar for product quality at Mattel.

Senior Materials Engineer (Metallurgy)Join Radiant Industries as a dynamic Senior Materials Engineer, where you'll be responsible for the testing and qualification of materials, particularly metals, for our innovative Kaleidos 1MW nuclear microreactor. We’re looking for an individual who takes pride in their work, is highly skilled in materials selection, testing, and analysis, and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. You will play a crucial role in ushering in the era of the world's first mass-produced, rapidly-deployable nuclear reactor.Responsibilities & DutiesPlan and execute comprehensive materials testing to derive essential material properties for informed design decisions.Spearhead the qualification of all metallic components utilized in the design of the Kaleidos reactor.Conduct rapid prototypic testing to mitigate risks associated with design and integration.Collaborate closely with the manufacturing team to develop and validate application-specific manufacturing processes including welding, brazing, coating, casting, and heat treatments.Provide expert advice on materials selection for various components within the Kaleidos project.Identify and manage equipment necessary for materials characterization and testing.Assess and ensure the quality and accuracy of material property data for our materials database.Define and enhance manufacturing processes to achieve the desired material properties.Required Qualifications & SkillsBachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Materials Science and Engineering, or Mechanical, Aeronautical, Nuclear, or Chemical Engineering with a focus on materials science.5+ years of experience in the development, testing, and analysis of materials for challenging load scenarios and environments.Desired Qualifications & SkillsMaster’s or PhD degree in a related field is preferred.

Join Mattel, Inc. as the Senior Manager of Quality Engineering, where you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the highest standards of quality in our innovative products. In this dynamic position, you will lead and mentor a team of skilled engineers, driving quality initiatives that align with our commitment to excellence. Your expertise will directly contribute to enhancing product performance, reliability, and safety, making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families around the world.

Senior Nuclear EngineerJoin Radiant Industries as a Senior Nuclear Engineer! In this pivotal role, you will take the lead on modeling techniques and reactor physics calculations that drive neutronics parameters such as reactivity, kinetics parameters, and energy deposition distributions. These calculations are integral to our innovative Digital Twin simulation software. Your expertise will ensure the safety and reliability of our modeling methods, which are crucial for the commercialization of the first mass-produced nuclear reactor.Key Responsibilities:Lead the development of core neutronics models and reactor physics calculations, essential for Radiant’s transient safety analyses.Execute calculations of energy deposition distributions, reactivity coefficients, kinetics parameters, and control blade worths for integration into Digital Twin models.Verify modeling assumptions and evaluate the conservatism of neutronics models.Document methodologies for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.Support Verification & Validation (V&V) initiatives for the Digital Twin.Collaborate with teams across the company on reactor physics, shielding, and radiation detection analyses.Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering or a related discipline from an accredited institution.A minimum of 4 years of experience with Monte Carlo nuclear engineering software such as OpenMC, MCNP, Serpent, SCALE, etc.Proven ability to document analysis methods and assumptions effectively.Strong programming skills in any language, with a preference for Python.Preferred Qualifications:Familiarity with reactor kinetics.Basic understanding of thermal hydraulic principles.Experience in communicating complex information to cross-functional teams.Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership for project outcomes.

Senior Mechanisms EngineerRadiant Industries is on the lookout for a dynamic and experienced Senior Mechanisms Engineer to spearhead the design and development of essential mechanisms within the innovative Kaleidos project. In this role, you will tackle unique engineering challenges to create efficient and dependable mechanisms that govern reactivity and activate critical safety features. Your responsibilities will encompass trade studies, material selection, in-depth structural analysis, assembly, integration, and rigorous testing. Your contributions will be vital in propelling the introduction of the first new commercial reactor design in over five decades by the year 2026.Key Responsibilities:Lead the design and development of crucial mechanisms such as control blade actuators and air jacket valves.Conduct comprehensive trade studies and formulate designs that align with program requirements.Execute detailed thermomechanical analysis (including static strength and durability/fatigue) and kinematic analysis to assess structural integrity and performance margins using both hand calculations and finite element analysis tools.Develop and implement manufacturing and assembly instructions along with test plans.Create and oversee a Bill of Materials (BOM).Identify and cultivate relationships with suppliers for necessary components.Manage schedules for subassembly design, manufacturing, and testing.Conduct risk analysis (FMEA) for subsystems.Gather requirements and provide insights to engineers across other functional areas through effective communication.Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aeronautical Engineering from an accredited institution.A minimum of 4 years of experience in mechanism design.Over 4 years of experience conducting stress analysis utilizing both hand calculations and finite element tools (such as Abaqus, Ansys, FEMAP, or equivalent).Desired Skills:Proficient in the design of multi-component assemblies using CAD software (NX or similar).Experience in designing hardware that underwent manufacturing, deployment, and iterative improvements.Familiarity with pneumatic system design.Knowledge in integrating electromechanical components such as motors or encoders.

About Varda SpaceUnlocking the Potential of Low Earth Orbit. At Varda, we are pioneering the advancement of commercial space infrastructure, innovating in areas from in-orbit pharmaceutical production to dependable and cost-effective reentry vehicles.With products ranging from life-saving medications to advanced fiber optics, we are committed to developing the technologies that can only be realized in the unique environment of space. Our mission is to enhance the orbital economy, creating products and infrastructure that directly benefit life on Earth.Our team is comprised of industry leaders and experts with backgrounds in SpaceX, Blue Origin, top pharmaceutical firms, and Silicon Valley tech. Founded in January 2021 by visionaries Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov, we are supported by premier investors such as Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, and others.Headquartered in El Segundo, California, Varda features offices and a production facility dedicated to the development and testing of our vehicles, equipment, and materials. Our presence extends to Washington, DC, and Huntsville, AL.Join us at Varda and contribute to building a vibrant in-space ecosystem.