Thermal Engineer

San Carlos, California

San Carlos, California

Full time

On-site

Analysis

About Cowboy Space Corp:

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities—from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit compute to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we’re unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.

Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We’re moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.

The Role

As a Thermal Engineer you will design, analyze, implement and demonstrate thermal management solutions for our space-based power and compute platform. This role will focus on developing thermal control strategies for high-power laser systems, high-power compute platforms, spacecraft electronics, and structural components operating in extreme space environments. The ideal candidate will have experience with spacecraft thermal design, analysis, testing, and on-orbit demonstration, ensuring reliable performance in Low Earth Orbit.

Responsibilities

• Thermal System Design: Develop spacecraft thermal management architectures, including active and passive cooling solutions for high-power and high-heat-flux components.

• Thermal Analysis & Modeling: Utilize thermal simulation tools such as ANSYS Thermal Desktop to predict system behavior in space conditions.

• Thermal System Optimization: After developing component- and system-level models, identify overall optimum solutions that consider overall size, weight and power.

• Thermal Testing & Validation: Develop, support and execute thermal cycle and thermal-vacuum tests to demonstrate flight-worthiness of components, subsystems and spacecraft.

• Integration with Mechanical & Electrical Systems: Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and build and test engineers to ensure seamless integration of thermal management solutions.

• Material Selection: Identify space-grade thermal materials, coatings, and insulation for spacecraft structures.

• Reliability & Safety: Conduct failure mode analysis and implement redundancy in thermal control systems.

• Collaboration: Work with optics, avionics, and propulsion teams to address thermal constraints in system design.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

• 3+ years of experience in thermal analysis and design of spacecraft thermal systems.

• Proficiency with thermal modeling software such as ANSYS Thermal Desktop.

• Strong understanding of thermodynamics and heat transfer fundamentals.

• Experience designing, selecting and testing thermal hardware (e.g., radiators, heat pipes, thermal interface materials, and heaters).

• Demonstrated experience of spaceflight hardware qualification and acceptance testing of flight components, and the margins associated with those.

• Familiarity with vacuum chamber thermal testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.

• 5+ years of experience designing thermal systems for spacecraft, launch vehicles and/or high-power and heat-flux applications.

• Hands-on experience with spacecraft thermal integration and flight testing.

• Experience with OpenTD and python scripting.

• Strong analytical skills and ability to solve complex thermal design challenges.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $150,000 - $200,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

• Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.

• Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) retirement savings plan

• Paid time off

• 10 paid holidays per calendar year

• Paid parental leave

• Relocation assistance if applicable

• Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements

• Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

Disclaimer

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.’s discretion.

Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.