Senior Thermal Engineer
About Matter Intelligence
Matter Intelligence builds advanced airborne and spaceborne sensing systems that combine precision optics, novel thermal architectures, spacecraft engineering, and AI-driven data exploitation. Our systems operate in demanding orbital and airborne environments and enable new classes of Earth-observation capability.
Our team has delivered technologies to Mars for NASA/JPL, designed advanced sensors for U.S. defense, and built core infrastructure at OpenAI. We are now building the next generation of space- and airborne-based sensing systems.
About the Role
We are seeking a Senior Thermal Engineer to lead the thermal architecture, analysis, and verification of precision optical payloads and spacecraft systems. This role owns thermal performance from early concept through integration, test, and (where applicable) on-orbit operations.
You will develop and maintain detailed thermal models, lead thermal trade studies, support STOP performance, and partner closely with systems, optomechanical, electronics, and AI&T teams to ensure flight hardware meets performance requirements across all mission phases.
This role is hands-on, analytical, and leadership-oriented — ideal for an engineer who wants deep technical ownership over hardware that flies.
Key Responsibilities
Thermal Architecture & Design
Define and own the thermal architecture for optical payloads and spacecraft subsystems.
Design 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 balance performance, mass, power, and complexity.
Thermal Modeling & Analysis
Develop, maintain, and correlate detailed thermal models using industry-standard tools (e.g., Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT).
Perform steady-state and transient thermal analyses across all mission phases (launch, ascent, on-orbit hot/cold cases, safe modes).
Conduct detailed thermal analysis of precision optical elements (mirrors, mounts, focal plane assemblies) including thermo-elastic distortion.
Perform circuit card and chassis-level thermal analysis for medium to high power-density electronics.
Support STOP analysis in collaboration with optical and structural engineers.
Integration, Test & Verification
Plan and support thermal balance and thermal vacuum (TVAC) test campaigns.
Develop thermal test plans, procedures, and success criteria.
Correlate thermal models to TVAC data and, where available, on-orbit telemetry.
Support hardware integration, environmental qualification, and anomaly resolution.
Cross-Functional Leadership
Collaborate closely with systems engineering, optomechanical, electronics, and AI&T teams.
Lead thermal design reviews and contribute to PDRs, CDRs, and flight readiness reviews.
Mentor junior thermal engineers and analysts as the team grows.
Contribute thermal content to proposals, BOEs, and technical planning.
What Success Looks Like
Thermal designs meet performance requirements across all mission environments.
Optical and electronic systems remain stable and within margins during test and operation.
Thermal models are well-correlated and trusted by the broader engineering team.
Integration and test proceed smoothly with minimal thermal-related rework.
Thermal risks are identified early and mitigated effectively.
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, or related field.
6+ years of experience in thermal design and analysis for aerospace systems.
Strong experience with thermal modeling and simulation tools (Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, or equivalent).
Experience supporting thermal vacuum testing and model correlation.
Experience with space or high-altitude airborne thermal environments.
Strong technical communication and documentation skills.
Preferred
Master’s degree in a relevant technical discipline.
Experience with precision optical or IR payloads, including cryogenic systems.
Experience performing STOP or thermo-elastic distortion analysis.
Experience with circuit card and avionics thermal analysis.
Familiarity with space industry standards (NASA GEVS, ECSS, MIL-STD).
Programming experience (Python, OpenTD) for model automation or analysis workflows.
Experience with LEO missions and rapid-development or startup environments.
Location
Onsite in El Segundo, CA (limited flexibility may be considered).
ITAR Requirements
To comply with U.S. export regulations, applicants must be one of the following:
A U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
Eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State
Employee Offerings & Benefits
At Matter, we believe in rewarding high performance and providing the support you need to thrive. Our compensation and benefits package includes:
Compensation: Competitive total package based on experience.
Equity: Early-stage equity package so you share directly in Matter’s growth and success.
Health & Wellness: 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision coverage.
Growth: Opportunities to expand into leadership, strategic accounts, or cross-functional roles as we scale.
Who You Are
You are a technically rigorous thermal engineer who enjoys solving complex, coupled physics problems and seeing your designs validated on real hardware. You think systemically, communicate clearly across disciplines, and understand how thermal decisions propagate into optical performance, electronics reliability, and mission success.