About this opportunity
Zephyr Fusion lists this Founding Thermal Engineer opportunity in vista, California. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Company Description
Zephyr Fusion (YC F25) is pioneering the development of compact megawatt-class fusion reactors designed specifically for space. By leveraging high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets and decreasing space launch costs, Zephyr Fusion harnesses the unique advantages of the space environment to create novel solutions for high-power applications. Zephyr Fusion aims to enable the industrialization of the space economy by building spacecraft power systems with orders of magnitude higher power densities vs. conventional satellite power systems.
Role Description
We are seeking a driven and innovative thermal engineer to own the full lifecycle of cutting-edge thermal systems, from architecture through to integration and launch. This role is a unique opportunity to lay the foundations of the thermal engineering team here at Zephyr Fusion with a focus on designing and developing novel thermal systems for advanced space applications. You will play a pivotal role in bringing Zephyr Fusion's groundbreaking space technologies to life and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to meet innovative engineering goals.
This is a full-time, on-site role located in Vista, CA
Due to ITAR and export control restrictions candidates must be US persons.
Responsibilities Include
You will own the success of the thermal system architecture and thermal analysis that will be key to our operations in space
Own thermal design trade studies that successfully balance performance margins, resource use, risk, cost, and schedule
Develop and maintain integrated thermal analysis models for Zephyr Fusion
Design and execute thermal tests for complex high-performance aerospace systems
Work collaboratively with other spacecraft disciplines to define thermal hardware requirements, such as optical properties, conductances, insulation, passive, and or active thermal control
Interface with stakeholders as a technical authority in the physics of heat transfer
Establish effective processes and standards for thermal engineering at Zephyr Fusion
Qualifications
Expertise in Thermal Analysis and Thermal System Design with the ability to model and simulate heat flow in complex systems
8 or more years of relevant experience. We highly value time spent in fast-moving, execution-focused teams and product-driven cultures
Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal technical oversight
Thorough understanding and experience in both active and passive thermal control systems
Experience in planning and executing Thermal Vacuum Chamber (TVac) testing.
Proficiency with thermal modeling software and tools (e.g., COMSOL, ANSYS, or similar)
Problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively in a hands-on R&D environment
Preferred
Experience with Thermal Management and Thermal System Design for high-performance applications
Experience with the design, analysis, manufacturing, testing, and operation of spacecraft thermal control systems for all relevant modes of heat transfer, both active and passive, and through all phases of program lifecycle
Experience working with multi-layer insulation: design, fabrication, installation, and test
Familiarity with typical spacecraft thermal control technologies (e.g. heat pipes, pumped fluid systems, thermal blankets, optical coatings, etc.)
Experience leading integrated-team thermal engineering efforts: innovation projects, concurrent engineering, digital engineering, vehicle-level thermal design, hosted or multiple-payload missions, anomaly and root-cause investigation
Worksite address
vista, CA, 92085, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.