Mechanical Engineers jobs in California

AstroForge - Seal Beach, CA

About AstroForge:

AstroForge is pioneering the future of deep space resource utilization. We are developing cutting-edge spacecraft to extract and process valuable materials from asteroids, enabling a sustainable space economy and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in space exploration. Join our dynamic and passionate team as we embark on this groundbreaking journey.

Job Summary:

AstroForge is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Thermal Engineer to play a crucial role in the design and operation of our deep space mining spacecraft. You will be responsible for architecting the thermal management systems from initial concept through detailed design, analysis, and testing. This role requires a strong understanding of spacecraft thermal principles, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team. You will contribute to the development of innovative thermal solutions that ensure the success of our ambitious missions.

Responsibilities:

Architect the end-to-end thermal control system for deep space mining spacecraft, encompassing subsystems like radiators, multi-layer insulation (MLI), heaters, sensors, and thermal coatings. This includes conducting high-level conceptual trades to evaluate different architectural options based on mission requirements, environmental conditions, and system performance.
Devise, build, and execute thermal vacuum tests, bake-out tests, and other relevant environmental tests to validate the thermal design performance against predictions. Apply "test-like-you-fly" principles to ensure test setups accurately simulate the operational environment. Analyze test data and correlate results with thermal models to refine design and predictions.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including structural, electrical, propulsion, and mission operations engineers to understand system-level thermal constraints and interfaces. Participate in thermal trades to optimize overall spacecraft design and operational strategies to achieve mission objectives while maintaining thermal integrity.
Thoroughly document all thermal analysis, design decisions, test plans, and results in clear and concise reports. Establish and improve upon internal tools and processes to streamline thermal design iterations, enhance efficiency, and ensure knowledge capture within the team.
Provide constructive technical and non-technical feedback to peers during design reviews and contribute to improving key company processes.

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline (e.g., Aerospace, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or related field).
Strong understanding of fundamental heat transfer principles (conduction, convection, radiation) and thermodynamics.
Demonstrated ability to perform thermal analysis, including hand calculations and basic modeling.
Familiarity with spacecraft environments, including vacuum, solar radiation, and deep space temperatures.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

5+ years of demonstrated experience in spacecraft thermal conceptual and detailed design, development, and operations.
Experience with CAD and Thermal Modeling tools for 3D and reduced order modeling, including NX and Simcenter Space Systems Thermal (or similar thermal analysis software integrated with NX).
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to present technical information clearly and concisely.

Why Join Us?

At AstroForge, you’ll be at the forefront of space exploration and resource acquisition, working on challenges that have never been tackled before. You’ll have the opportunity to shape the future of asteroid mining and contribute to a revolutionary industry with immense scientific, economic, and environmental potential.

Benefits

100% paid medical, dental, and life insurance coverage
Vision and FSA benefits available
3 weeks of PTO + 1 week of sick time
10 paid Holidays
Retirement savings plan – 401(k), with company match
Equity on the ground floor of a startup

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Salary: $120,000 - $150,000

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Government.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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Thermal Engineer at AstroForge – Seal Beach, California

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