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Astra · 4 months ago

Senior Thermal Analyst

Alameda, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$130K/yr - $165K/yr

3+ years exp

Astra is focused on improving life on Earth from space through innovative launch services and propulsion systems. They are seeking a Senior Thermal Analyst to develop thermal models and perform analyses for spacecraft and components, ensuring the delivery of qualified thermal systems.

AerospaceSatellite CommunicationSpace Travel

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

Responsibilities

Responsible for thermal design, analysis and test of spacecraft and space components mounted internal and external to the spacecraft bus

Support architectural trades & parametric analyses using first order principles and preliminary thermal analysis on spacecraft and subsystems for orbital conditions and vehicle operating modes

Develop automated scripts enabling rapid analysis updates accommodating trades (operational modes, duty cycles, structural distortion mapping)

Design, analyze and select thermal hardware such as: heat pipes, multi-layer insulation, surface finishes and interface materials as needed for bus and payload components

Identify and procure materials, processes, and facilities necessary to deliver a qualified spacecraft thermal system and components

Define and execute test setups for thermal cycling and TVAC tests for development and qualification testing at subsystem and vehicle level, and correlate test results with mission operations models

Develop standards to be used on thermal analyses; define tools & acceptable post-processing methods

Correlate system models to test data and provide the test & operations team with test sequences and other guidance about safe product operations

Improve the existing analytical capabilities, processes, and tools

Help design tests, guide instrumentation selection & location to validate and refine models

Develop, document, & present the load cases and results in a clear, concise manner so that they can correlate to past analyses as well as inform future analyses

Own and report on subsystem schedule, cost, and deliverables

Qualification

Thermal analysisThermal analysis softwareThermal cycling/TVAC testingThermal control hardwareData processing toolsMechanical CADCommunication skillsOrganizational skillsDocumentation skills

Required

3+ years' professional experience with thermal analysis in space applications

Demonstrated experience with thermal analysis software (Siemens, Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT)

2+ years of experience with thermal cycling / TVAC test planning, test set-up, results correlation, and system verification

2+ years of experience in development and/or selection of thermal control hardware, such as: surface finishes, interface materials, MLI blankets, heat pipes, radiators, temperature sensors, and heaters

You are comfortable with data processing tools ranging from Excel to custom scripts built with VBA, Python, MATLAB, etc

You have a strong understanding of commonly used materials & their thermal/mechanical behavior

You have demonstrated ability of working with design engineers symbiotically to create efficient designs that satisfy broad requirements

You have shown familiarity with anchoring models to test data

You own analysis projects from beginning to end, with minimal oversight

You are self-motivated with strong organizational, communication and documentation skills

Bachelor's degree in in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline