SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Observable Space is a vertically integrated space technology company building precision optics platforms for Earth observation and in-space applications. The company serves NASA, JPL, SpaceX, Boeing, RTX, the US Space Force, and leading research institutions, combining precision opto-mechanical hardware, embedded compute, cloud orchestration, and developer-friendly APIs.
You will design and develop thermal control systems for telescope platforms and spacecraft, working with a multidisciplinary team of optical, electrical, mechanical, and software engineers. Key responsibilities include:
- Design and optimize thermal control systems for spacecraft and telescope platforms, including radiators, heaters, insulation, thermal straps, and enclosures
- Develop thermal models and perform detailed thermal analysis (steady-state and transient) across operational environments
- Perform STOP analysis (Structural, Thermal, Optical Performance) to verify system-level thermal stability and optical performance impact
- Conduct FEA simulations for thermal, structural, and environmental conditions
- Collaborate with optics, mechanical, and electrical teams to ensure proper thermal integration with imaging, tracking, and sensing subsystems
- Define thermal requirements, margins, and verification strategies for system and subsystem performance
- Support environmental testing, including thermal vacuum (TVAC), thermal cycling, and validation of thermal models
- Support the full product lifecycle from concept design and prototyping to testing and production
- Participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR) and internal documentation
- Provide engineering support during fabrication, integration, QC, and system validation
The role offers a hybrid work environment with a requirement of minimum 3 days per week in the Los Angeles office. Observable Space is backed by top-tier investors including Lux Capital, Upfront Ventures, RTX Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners, and Embedded Ventures.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent
- 5+ years of experience in thermal engineering for aerospace or high-performance systems
- Strong understanding of heat transfer fundamentals (conduction, convection, radiation)
- Experience with thermal analysis tools (e.g., Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, ANSYS, or similar)
- Experience developing and validating thermal models for complex systems
- Effective communication and collaboration skills
- Demonstrated passion for aerospace or observational technologies
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience with spacecraft thermal control systems and space environments (LEO, GEO, or deep space)
- Understanding of FEA (ANSYS, Nastran, etc.), tolerance analysis, and DFM principles
- Experience with thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing, thermal cycling, and model correlation
- Grasp of materials, coatings, surface properties, and thermal interface design
- Understanding of system engineering workflows, interface control documents, and verification processes
- Experience working in fast-paced, early-stage or startup environments
- Basic scripting or automation (Python, MATLAB) for thermal modeling or data analysis
