{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"d1191711e00a14f2bc7cd4e7","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/d1191711e00a14f2bc7cd4e7","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/d1191711e00a14f2bc7cd4e7","title":"Spacecraft Thermal Engineer","description":"Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space—for people, systems, and missions in every domain. Umbra’s ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms). Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed.\n\nAbout the Team\n\nMission Solutions – The Platforms\n\nMission Solutions builds on Umbra’s expertise in remote sensing and spacecraft operations to engineer platforms purpose-built for U.S. and allied defense and intelligence missions. Whether it’s a custom payload, a full‑stack spacecraft, or the infrastructure behind an entire constellation, our team delivers secure, resilient systems tailored to exacting requirements and built on timelines that match the urgency of the mission.\n\nWe are seeking a skilled and motivated professional to join our multidisciplinary engineering team as a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer to support Umbra’s Mission Solutions business unit. This is a unique role, providing you with both ownership and oversight of new and innovative spacecraft products to support a variety of Mission Solutions customer mission sets. We are looking for an effortless blend of traditional spacecraft analysis principles with the nimbleness of commercial methodologies to achieve innovative capabilities and outstanding results.\n\nThe ideal candidate is passionate about spacecraft thermal systems, as well as working with other engineers to optimize the design and inform design decisions on a cross‑functional team. Bonus if you are a multi‑disciplinary engineer with the ability and desire to work in various mechanical roles. You will play a key role in developing next‑generation space systems and mechanisms utilizing first principles engineering in a fast‑paced collaborative environment.\n\nThis position is based on‑site in our Reston, VA office.\n\n*This opportunity is contingent upon award of a federal government contract.\n\nKey Responsibilities\n\nCreate entire spacecraft thermal analysis models to inform spacecraft design, including:\n\nCollaborating with cross‑functional teams to define and refine requirements.\n\nDeveloping initial concept analysis models.\n\nWorking closely with other engineers across the company to optimize designs for performance and manufacturability.\n\nCreating detailed analysis documentation, including analysis reports and reduced node/element models.\n\nPartnering with technicians and manufacturing engineers to develop and execute test plans.\n\nCreating system and subsystem thermal analysis modes.\n\nRun on‑orbit thermal analysis of whole spacecrafts and use test data to correlate your models.\n\nSupport early design efforts for Mission Solutions pursuits and captures.\n\nProvide thermal engineering support to other engineering teams as needed.\n\nTravel up to 15% may be required between Umbra facilities in California and Northern Virginia, as well as to partner and customer locations.\n\nPerform other duties as required.\n\nRequired Qualifications\n\nBachelor of Science in Engineering, Physics, or a related field.\n\n3‑5+ years of professional experience in thermal engineering or a related discipline, preferably within aerospace or high‑reliability systems.\n\nStrong foundation in first‑principles analysis in complex environments.\n\nDemonstrated experience developing and executing thermal models for spacecraft, subsystems, and electronic components.\n\nExperience performing component‑ and board‑level thermal analysis to support design and validation efforts.\n\nHands‑on experience with thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing and correlating analytical models to test and/or on‑orbit data.\n\nProficiency with industry‑standard thermal analysis tools such as Thermal Desktop or Icepak.\n\nProven ability to translate analysis results into actionable design recommendations and drive thermal design improvements.\n\nStrong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.\n\nAbility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens to obtain and maintain a security clearance.\n\nDesired Qualifications\n\n8‑10+ years of professional experience in thermal engineering or a related discipline, preferably within aerospace or high‑reliability systems.\n\nComfortable working in a dynamic, fast‑paced development environment.\n\nMulti‑disciplinary mechanical engineer with desire to lead & support a full development.\n\nProficiency in CAD software, with experience in design and drafting to ASME Y14.5 standards.\n\nExperience with assembly, integration, testing including developing and executing test plans.\n\nAbility to perform mechanical analysis & STOP analysis (structural, thermal, optical, performance).\n\nProficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, Arduino, or MATLAB.\n\nExperience with delivery of a spacecraft or subsystems to stakeholders.\n\nExperience working with RF devices and understanding of their basic principles.\n\nActive security clearance.\n\nBenefits\n\nFlexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave\n\nMedical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded)\n\nVol Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance (employee funded)\n\n401k with 3% non‑elective company contribution\n\nStock Options\n\nFree parking\n\nFree lunch in office daily\n\nUmbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions requiring an active U.S. Government security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.\n\nEmployment Eligibility Verification\n\nIn compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire.\n\nITAR/EAR Requirements\n\nThis position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable.\n\nPay Transparency\n\nThis job posting may cover multiple career levels. To ensure greater transparency, we provide base salary ranges for all roles, regardless of location. Our standard pay ranges are based on the role’s function and level, benchmarked against similar growth‑stage companies. Compensation may vary based on geographical location, as certain regions may have different cost‑of‑living factors. The final offer will also be influenced by the candidate’s skills, responsibilities, and relevant experience.\n\nCompensation Range\n\nThe Compensation Range for this role is $135,000 - $175,000 DOE.\n\n#J-18808-Ljbffr","company":"Umbra Lab","rawCompany":"umbra lab","city":"Reston","state":"VA","isRemote":false,"isActive":true,"createdAt":"2026-06-17T03:44:17.260Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2011.00","title":"Aerospace Engineers","slug":"aerospace-engineers"},{"code":"17-2141.00","title":"Mechanical Engineers","slug":"mechanical-engineers"},{"code":"17-2199.00","title":"Engineers, All Other","slug":"engineers-all-other"}],"industries":[{"code":"927110","title":"Space Research and Technology","slug":"space-research-and-technology"},{"code":"336414","title":"Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing","slug":"guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-manufacturing"},{"code":"336419","title":"Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing","slug":"other-guided-missile-and-space-vehicle-parts-and-auxiliary-equipment-manufacturing"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Spacecraft Thermal Engineer","description":"Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space—for people, systems, and missions in every domain. Umbra’s ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms). Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed.\n\nAbout the Team\n\nMission Solutions – The Platforms\n\nMission Solutions builds on Umbra’s expertise in remote sensing and spacecraft operations to engineer platforms purpose-built for U.S. and allied defense and intelligence missions. Whether it’s a custom payload, a full‑stack spacecraft, or the infrastructure behind an entire constellation, our team delivers secure, resilient systems tailored to exacting requirements and built on timelines that match the urgency of the mission.\n\nWe are seeking a skilled and motivated professional to join our multidisciplinary engineering team as a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer to support Umbra’s Mission Solutions business unit. This is a unique role, providing you with both ownership and oversight of new and innovative spacecraft products to support a variety of Mission Solutions customer mission sets. We are looking for an effortless blend of traditional spacecraft analysis principles with the nimbleness of commercial methodologies to achieve innovative capabilities and outstanding results.\n\nThe ideal candidate is passionate about spacecraft thermal systems, as well as working with other engineers to optimize the design and inform design decisions on a cross‑functional team. Bonus if you are a multi‑disciplinary engineer with the ability and desire to work in various mechanical roles. You will play a key role in developing next‑generation space systems and mechanisms utilizing first principles engineering in a fast‑paced collaborative environment.\n\nThis position is based on‑site in our Reston, VA office.\n\n*This opportunity is contingent upon award of a federal government contract.\n\nKey Responsibilities\n\nCreate entire spacecraft thermal analysis models to inform spacecraft design, including:\n\nCollaborating with cross‑functional teams to define and refine requirements.\n\nDeveloping initial concept analysis models.\n\nWorking closely with other engineers across the company to optimize designs for performance and manufacturability.\n\nCreating detailed analysis documentation, including analysis reports and reduced node/element models.\n\nPartnering with technicians and manufacturing engineers to develop and execute test plans.\n\nCreating system and subsystem thermal analysis modes.\n\nRun on‑orbit thermal analysis of whole spacecrafts and use test data to correlate your models.\n\nSupport early design efforts for Mission Solutions pursuits and captures.\n\nProvide thermal engineering support to other engineering teams as needed.\n\nTravel up to 15% may be required between Umbra facilities in California and Northern Virginia, as well as to partner and customer locations.\n\nPerform other duties as required.\n\nRequired Qualifications\n\nBachelor of Science in Engineering, Physics, or a related field.\n\n3‑5+ years of professional experience in thermal engineering or a related discipline, preferably within aerospace or high‑reliability systems.\n\nStrong foundation in first‑principles analysis in complex environments.\n\nDemonstrated experience developing and executing thermal models for spacecraft, subsystems, and electronic components.\n\nExperience performing component‑ and board‑level thermal analysis to support design and validation efforts.\n\nHands‑on experience with thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing and correlating analytical models to test and/or on‑orbit data.\n\nProficiency with industry‑standard thermal analysis tools such as Thermal Desktop or Icepak.\n\nProven ability to translate analysis results into actionable design recommendations and drive thermal design improvements.\n\nStrong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.\n\nAbility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance. Applicants must be U.S. citizens to obtain and maintain a security clearance.\n\nDesired Qualifications\n\n8‑10+ years of professional experience in thermal engineering or a related discipline, preferably within aerospace or high‑reliability systems.\n\nComfortable working in a dynamic, fast‑paced development environment.\n\nMulti‑disciplinary mechanical engineer with desire to lead & support a full development.\n\nProficiency in CAD software, with experience in design and drafting to ASME Y14.5 standards.\n\nExperience with assembly, integration, testing including developing and executing test plans.\n\nAbility to perform mechanical analysis & STOP analysis (structural, thermal, optical, performance).\n\nProficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, Arduino, or MATLAB.\n\nExperience with delivery of a spacecraft or subsystems to stakeholders.\n\nExperience working with RF devices and understanding of their basic principles.\n\nActive security clearance.\n\nBenefits\n\nFlexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave\n\nMedical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded)\n\nVol Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance (employee funded)\n\n401k with 3% non‑elective company contribution\n\nStock Options\n\nFree parking\n\nFree lunch in office daily\n\nUmbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions requiring an active U.S. Government security clearance or the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.\n\nEmployment Eligibility Verification\n\nIn compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire.\n\nITAR/EAR Requirements\n\nThis position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable.\n\nPay Transparency\n\nThis job posting may cover multiple career levels. To ensure greater transparency, we provide base salary ranges for all roles, regardless of location. Our standard pay ranges are based on the role’s function and level, benchmarked against similar growth‑stage companies. Compensation may vary based on geographical location, as certain regions may have different cost‑of‑living factors. The final offer will also be influenced by the candidate’s skills, responsibilities, and relevant experience.\n\nCompensation Range\n\nThe Compensation Range for this role is $135,000 - $175,000 DOE.\n\n#J-18808-Ljbffr","datePosted":"2026-06-17T03:44:17.260Z","dateModified":"2026-06-17T03:44:17.260Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Umbra Lab","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Reston","addressRegion":"VA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"d1191711e00a14f2bc7cd4e7"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/d1191711e00a14f2bc7cd4e7"}}