Senior Thermal Engineer
Company: Protouch Staffing
Location: Los Angeles
Posted on: February 18, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Description Job Description Key Responsibilities Advanced
Physics Modeling: Build and manage complex thermal models for
satellite busses and payloads, handling challenges such as
transient orbital heating, articulating geometry, and ray-tracing
for optical components. Methodology Development: Define
high-efficiency workflows for model generation and analysis, moving
beyond manual point-solutions to enable rapid design space
exploration and optimization. Thermal Architecture: Collaborate
with systems and mechanical engineers to architect thermal control
systems (TCS), selecting appropriate hardware (heat pipes,
radiators, MLI, heaters) to meet strict power and mass constraints.
Verification & Validation: Lead the planning and execution of
Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) testing, and own the post-test model
correlation to statistically validate analytical predictions
against hardware performance. Technical Mentorship: Act as a
technical lead for the thermal group, reviewing models, mentoring
junior engineers, and ensuring best practices in finite element
discretization and solver settings. Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering,
or a related field. 5 years of practical experience delivering
high-quality results in satellite thermal control systems and
analysis. Simcenter Expertise: Deep proficiency in Simcenter 3D
Space Systems Thermal (formerly NX Space Systems Thermal / TMG).
Candidates must demonstrate mastery in: Managing large, complex FEM
assemblies and idealized geometry. Configuring advanced orbital
heating parameters and articulated operational scenarios.
Optimizing solver settings for convergence and speed in transient
analysis. Hardware Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of
spaceflight thermal hardware, including the sizing and
implementation of Heat Pipes (CCHP/LHP), Phase Change Materials
(PCM), and passive optical coatings. Correlation Experience: Proven
track record of correlating thermal models to TVAC test data or
on-orbit telemetry. Desired Qualifications Advanced degree
(Master's or PhD) in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
Experience in multi-disciplinary optimization (MDO), coupling
thermal analysis with structural or optical performance models.
Experience with other industry-standard tools such as Thermal
Desktop (SINDA/FLUINT) or ESATAN-TMS (for comparative knowledge).
Background in rapid-response or agile engineering environments (New
Space, Startup, or Skunkworks-style programs). Excitement about
engineering process improvement. Proactive approach to knowledge
sharing and collaborative problem-solving. Company Description
Protouch Staffing is a trusted staffing partner specializing in
connecting skilled professionals with top employers. While we
originally focused on healthcare staffing, we’ve expanded into
legal and other domains to meet evolving workforce needs across
industries. Company Description Protouch Staffing is a trusted
staffing partner specializing in connecting skilled professionals
with top employers. While we originally focused on healthcare
staffing, we’ve expanded into legal and other domains to meet
evolving workforce needs across industries.
Keywords: Protouch Staffing, San Clemente , Senior Thermal Engineer, Engineering , Los Angeles, California
