Thermal Engineer
Overview Energy is a mission-driven team committed to delivering Space Solar Energy to the world. We operate at the intersection of space infrastructure and energy abundance, providing baseload power across entire continents 24/7, without seasonality or the need for batteries. Headquartered in the Washington, DC area and backed by world-class investors, we are advancing the next generation of clean energy technology.
The Role
The Thermal Engineer will serve as a technical leader responsible for the thermal design, analysis, and testing of spacecraft systems operating in harsh space and ground environments. This role involves developing spacecraft thermal system configurations, performing analyses, supporting testing, and contributing to flight operations. You will work across multidisciplinary teams to create optimal system designs, incorporating thermal control solutions that maintain component temperatures within operating and survival limits.
Key Responsibilities
Perform spacecraft thermal design and analyses at the board, component, subsystem, and system levels
Develop spacecraft and subsystem thermal models to predict thermal loads, temperature gradients, and margins for system design
Lead thermal design and development activities for space-based environments and payload-level integration
Create and evaluate design concepts using thermal analysis and FEA tools such as Thermal Desktop, ANSYS, or equivalent
Design passive and active thermal control systems, including heat pipes, radiators, thermal blankets, coatings, heater tapes, and thermistors
Conduct thermal design and analysis for complex mechanical hardware, including precision mechanisms, electromechanical devices, and electronics packaging
Support the design, fabrication, and installation of Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) blankets
Lead and participate in environmental test campaigns, including thermal vacuum testing and thermal balance testing
Required Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field
6–10 years of hands-on experience in thermal engineering for spacecraft or aerospace systems
Strong background in heat transfer and thermodynamics
Experience supporting spacecraft flight programs through environmental testing and launch campaigns
Knowledge of passive and active thermal control hardware design and implementation
Understanding of thermal constraints and design requirements in space environments
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data clearly
Proven ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams
Adaptability and resourcefulness in a fast-paced, dynamic development environment
U.S. citizenship required
Preferred Skills & Experience
Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline
Familiarity with mission-level thermal design trade studies and system optimization
Experience developing or maintaining thermal analysis automation scripts (e.g., MATLAB, Python)
Prior experience in a startup or early-stage aerospace company environment
Experience mentoring engineers and building thermal analysis best practices within a growing team
Benefits
The health and safety of our employees and their families comes first. In addition to competitive salary and equity, we offer medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage, a health and wellness stipend, 6 weeks of paid time off, parental leave, and employer 401K matching. The Company reserves the right to modify or change these benefits at any time.
ITAR Requirements
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Overview Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with Overview Energy is based on merit, competence, and qualifications, and is not influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process, please contact our Talent Team at talent@overviewenergy.com. Studies show that women and individuals from underrepresented groups often apply for jobs only if they meet all listed qualifications. We encourage anyone who believes they can succeed in this role to apply, even if they do not meet every qualification listed.