🚀 Senior Avionics Thermal Design Engineer Los Angeles

Overview

K2 Space is building large, high-powered spacecraft for the next generation of space development. Backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Altimeter Capital, and others, we are raising substantial funds to mass produce the highest-powered satellite platforms for missions from LEO to Deep Space. We aim to push beyond current constraints by designing spacecraft capable of multiple orbits in a new era of space exploration.

If you are a motivated individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and you’re excited about contributing to the success of a groundbreaking Series B space startup, we’d love for you to apply.

The Role

As an Avionics Thermal Design Engineer you will drive the detailed thermal design of spacecraft subsystems by performing thermal analysis at the component, PCBA, and spacecraft levels. You will explore thermal management strategies and demonstrate them through test campaigns. The ideal candidate has experience with in-orbit integrated thermal analysis of spacecraft avionics using first principles and analytical models, leveraging software tools such as Thermal Desktop, Ansys IcePak, and Python for automation. Hands-on experience with thermal testing for spacecraft components (e.g., thermal cycling and TVAC) is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work with avionics subsystem owners to develop robust thermal design for avionics boxes and other electro-mechanical subsystems
• Independently set up and execute thermal testing from development to qualification
• Develop and maintain thermal models for spacecraft and sub-components using Thermal Desktop and Ansys
• Collaborate with mechanical teams to develop passive and active thermal control hardware (radiators, heaters, heat pipes, surface coatings, etc.)
• Work with avionics teams to develop thermal models and tests for electronic assemblies

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with radiative and conductive thermal modeling of spacecraft systems, particularly high-power avionics using Thermal Desktop or similar tools
• 5+ years of experience with selection, sizing, and design of thermal control hardware (e.g., heat pipes, heaters, SSM, OSR, thermal straps, thermal paints, tapes, MLI, TEC)
• 1+ year of experience with thermal cycling and thermal vacuum testing, including predictions, setup, instrumentation, and model correlation
• 1+ year of experience with electrical component and PCBA thermal modeling
• 1+ year of experience with thermal interface materials (thermal grease, gap pads, etc.)

Nice to Have

• Experience with full-vehicle thermal vacuum testing and model correlation
• Experience with integrated thermal analysis of spacecraft and launch vehicles
• Familiarity with SMC-S016 standard or equivalent
• Experience with spacecraft primary radiator design and analysis
• Knowledge of Atlassian software environments
• Experience with Python, C/C++, or Matlab for thermal modeling and automated data analysis

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary range for this role is $100,000 - $180,000 plus equity
• Salary will be based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and other perks

Export Compliance and Equal Opportunity

K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected status. The person hired for this role will have access to information controlled by U.S. export control regulations, including ITAR. All candidates must meet applicable export control requirements.