Mechanical Engineer, Fluids, Environmental, and/or Thermal Control

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer to support the design, analysis, and testing of fluid and thermal systems for spaceflight hardware. The ideal candidate has strong fundamentals, hands-on test experience, and the ability to take components and subsystems from concept through integration. This position reports to Climate & Thermal Team Manager. This role is onsite and will be based at our Space Station Development Facility (SSDF).

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Select and qualify fluid and thermal system components (valves, sensors, regulators, pumps, heat exchangers, fittings).
• Conduct trade studies, define requirements, and work with suppliers to ensure components meet performance and environmental needs.
• Develop and execute test plans for component-level verification, including pressure and flow testing, thermal cycling, and leak testing.
• Analyze test data, troubleshoot anomalies, and document results in formal reports.
• Perform integrated system analyses combining fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer to size components and predict system behavior.
• Build and correlate analytical models (MATLAB/Python, CFD, or thermal tools) using component and system test data.
• Generate and maintain system documentation including P&IDs, interface control documents, drawings, and specifications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Stress, avionics, manufacturing) to ensure proper integration and meet mission requirements.
• Support hardware builds, system integration, and test operations as needed.
• Communicating project progress, status, and potential issues to stakeholders and leadership.
• Implementing and maintaining agile project management methodologies throughout the project lifecycle.
• Perform additional job duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering (or Aerospace engineering) is required.
• 5+ years of experience working on mechanical, fluid, or thermal systems.
• Experience with fluid and/or thermal system design, analysis, and testing.
• Proficiency with mechanical design tools (CAD such as NX, Creo, or SolidWorks) and analysis tools (MATLAB, Python, or equivalent).
• Experience designing or analyzing fluid components (valves, regulators, pumps, lines, manifolds) or thermal systems (heat exchangers, radiators, cold plates).
• Demonstrated ability to take engineering designs from concept through testing to production and delivery.
• Strong communication, documentation, and troubleshooting skills.
• Hands-on experience with test execution (pressure testing, flow testing, thermal cycling) and post-test data analysis.
• Track record of delivering outcomes in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.
• Uses good judgement to problem-solve proactively, positively impacting hard challenges.
• Proven to deliver high quality results under tight deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics.
• Hands on experience with thermal control hardware.
• Experience with CFD, FEA, or thermal modeling tools such as ANSYS Fluent, Star-CCM+, Thermal Desktop, SINDA/Fluint.
• Experience integrating mechanical and electrical systems, including sensors, harness routing, connectors, and control hardware.
• Understanding of electrical interfaces such as wiring diagrams, signal conditioning, grounding, and EMI/EMC considerations.
• Knowledge of industry standards (NASA, ASME, ASTM, MIL-spec).
• Familiarity with vacuum system design, materials for space environments, and contamination control.

Core Skills

• Passion for space and the mission
• Entrepreneurial, growth mindset
• High EQ and ability to collaborate within teams and cross-functionally
• Tech-solutioning in using systems and tools to move smarter and faster

Work Environment

Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on the task.

Requirements

• Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
• Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position.
• Must be willing to work evenings and weekends as needed to meet critical project milestones.

Physical Requirements

• Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of the time)
• May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of the time)
• Equipment and Machines
• Standard office equipment (PC, phone, printer, etc.)