Board Thermal Simulation Engineer

We are seeking a Board Thermal Simulation Engineer to perform component-level and board-level thermal analysis for all avionics boards in our satellite constellation program. You will model thermal behavior, evaluate cooling strategies, and ensure every board meets its temperature requirements across all operational modes and orbital environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform component-level thermal analysis including junction temperature calculation, hot-spot identification, and heat-path evaluation.
• Develop thermal models using analytical methods and simulation tools for steady-state and transient conditions.
• Evaluate and recommend cooling strategies (conduction, convection, radiation, heat spreading) for avionics boards.
• Assess temperature effects on component aging, reliability, and derating requirements.
• Analyze thermomechanical degradation risks including CTE mismatch, solder fatigue, and connector stress.
• Perform system-level thermal budgeting and define thermal interface requirements across subsystems.
• Evaluate environmental thermal loads from orbit-induced temperature swings and operational heat dissipation.
• Select materials based on thermal conductivity, expansion properties, and long-term reliability.
• Validate thermal models with empirical measurements and test data from EM and QM builds.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, and reliability engineers for integrated thermal solutions.
• Document thermal requirements, design guidelines, and analysis results.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in thermal analysis for electronics, preferably in aerospace or space applications.
• Proficiency with thermal simulation tools (Ansys IcePak, FloTHERM, or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of heat transfer fundamentals (conduction, convection, radiation).
• Experience with component derating for thermal environments.
• Ability to create and validate thermal models against test data.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with satellite or spacecraft thermal analysis and orbital thermal environments.
• Background in thermal cycling test planning and correlation of simulation to test results.
• Familiarity with Ansys IcePak specifically.
• Experience with system-level thermal budgets and interface management.
• Knowledge of PCB material properties and their thermal behavior.
• Understanding of reliability implications of thermal stress on electronics.

Tools & Technologies:

• Ansys IcePak (or equivalent thermal simulation tool)
• MATLAB or Python for analytical modeling
• CAD tools for geometry import and model setup