2025 Graduate - Thermal Engineer - Space Science Instrumentation

Description

Is this the next step in your career Find out if you are the right candidate by reading through the complete overview below.

Do you want to design and build unique scientific instruments for NASA spacecraft that will enable groundbreaking scientific discovery throughout the solar system and beyond?

Are you passionate about ensuring our nation's security and want to contribute to space-based defense systems?

Do you want to work in a team setting with other engineers of all disciplines on space flight hardware development programs?

We are seeking thermal engineers ready to take on new challenges with us as we lead APL efforts for space flight instrument production in support of scientific discovery.

You will join our team of multi-disciplinary staff including systems, optical, mechanical, structural, and thermal engineers in conjunction with our companion-group that provides the electronics, FPGA, and software expertise.

Together we design, build, test, and deliver science instruments to spacecraft missions throughout the NASA portfolio - recent missions include instruments for Parker Solar Probe, DART, Europa Clipper, Dragonfly, and more.

As a space instrumentation thermal engineer you will :

Provide thermal engineering support and for space system applications with focus on space instrument thermal design. Perform end-to-end thermal design, analysis and testing of space hardware;

specify and procure thermal control hardware; specify and assist in the design of multi-layer-insulation; and thermal oversight of subcontracted systems.

Define thermal requirements and generate thermal and thermal vacuum test plans and specifications for flight and engineering hardware.

• Develop thermal models and conduct analyses to predict system thermal performance during flight conditions.
• Work with subsystem lead engineers and thermal technician in the design and development of spacecraft and instrument space flight thermal control systems.
• Design and develop system and subsystem thermal test configurations.
• Run instrument thermal vacuum testing. Generate test plans and specifications, participate in execution of test and perform analysis of test data.
• Correlate thermal analysis models based on system and subsystem test data.
• Assist in developing staffing estimates, resource management, and test and development schedules.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Possess a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Thermal Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Have excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, and have demonstrated success while working within a team environment.
• Have strong technical experience as demonstrated in at least one internship, research experience, or project outside of the classroom.
• Are willing and able to travel occasionally (5%) to NASA facilities and sub-contractor sites.
• Are willing and able to support shift work occasionally (5%) during Integration and Test events.
• Are able to ultimately obtain a TS / SCI clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information.

Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You will go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Possess a Master's degree in Mechanical or Thermal Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Have experience working on hardware design and development.
• Have an active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges.

While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture.

We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work / life balance.

APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at www.jhuapl.edu / careers.

About Us

APL is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas.

In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.

edu. Only by ensuring that everyone's voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education / training and skill level with consideration for internal parity.

For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked.

APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and / or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance.

APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$85,000 Annually

Maximum Rate

$150,000 Annually

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