Founding Thermal Engineer

Company DescriptionZephyr Fusion (YC F25) is pioneering the development of compact megawatt-class fusion reactors designed specifically for space. By leveraging high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets and decreasing space launch costs, Zephyr Fusion harnesses the unique advantages of the space environment to create novel solutions for high-power applications. Zephyr Fusion aims to enable the industrialization of the space economy by building spacecraft power systems with orders of magnitude higher power densities vs. conventional satellite power systems.Role DescriptionWe are seeking a driven and innovative thermal engineer to own the full lifecycle of cutting-edge thermal systems, from architecture through to integration and launch. This role is a unique opportunity to lay the foundations of the thermal engineering team here at Zephyr Fusion with a focus on designing and developing novel thermal systems for advanced space applications. You will play a pivotal role in bringing Zephyr Fusion's groundbreaking space technologies to life and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to meet innovative engineering goals.This is a full-time, on-site role located in Vista, CAResponsibilities IncludeYou will own the success of the thermal system architecture and thermal analysis that will be key to our operations in spaceOwn thermal design trade studies that successfully balance performance margins, resource use, risk, cost, and scheduleDevelop and maintain integrated thermal analysis models for Zephyr FusionDesign and execute thermal tests for complex high-performance aerospace systems Work collaboratively with other spacecraft disciplines to define thermal hardware requirements, such as optical properties, conductances, insulation, passive, and or active thermal controlInterface with stakeholders as a technical authority in the physics of heat transferEstablish effective processes and standards for thermal engineering at Zephyr FusionQualificationsExpertise in Thermal Analysis and Thermal System Design with the ability to model and simulate heat flow in complex systems8 or more years of relevant experience. We highly value time spent in fast-moving, execution-focused teams and product-driven culturesDemonstrated ability to work independently with minimal technical oversightThorough understanding and experience in both active and passive thermal control systemsExperience in planning and executing Thermal Vacuum Chamber (TVac) testing.Proficiency with thermal modeling software and tools (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS, or similar)Problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively in a hands-on R&D environmentPreferredExperience with Thermal Management and Thermal System Design for high-performance applicationsExperience with the design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, and operation of spacecraft thermal control systems for all relevant modes of heat transfer, both active and passive, and through all phases of program lifecycle Experience working with multi-layer insulation: design, fabrication, installation, and testFamiliarity with typical spacecraft thermal control technologies (e.g. heat pipes, pumped fluid systems, thermal blankets, optical coatings, etc.)Experience leading integrated-team thermal engineering efforts: innovation projects, concurrent engineering, digital engineering, vehicle-level thermal design, hosted or multiple-payload missions, anomaly and root-cause investigation