Thermal Engineer

Overview Energy is a mission-driven team committed to delivering Space Solar Energy to the world. We operate at the intersection of space infrastructure and energy abundance, providing continuous baseload power 24/7 - without seasonality or the need for batteries. Headquartered in the Northern Virginia / Washington, DC area and backed by world-class investors, we are advancing the next generation of clean energy technology.

The Role

The Thermal Engineer will serve as a technical leader responsible for the thermal design, analysis, and testing of spacecraft systems operating in harsh space and ground environments. This role involves developing spacecraft thermal system configurations, performing analyses, supporting testing, and contributing to flight operations. You will work across multidisciplinary teams to create optimal system designs, incorporating thermal control solutions that maintain component temperatures within operating and survival limits.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform spacecraft thermal design and analyses at the board, component, subsystem, and system levels

• Develop spacecraft and subsystem thermal models to predict thermal loads, temperature gradients, and margins for system design

• Lead thermal design and development activities for space-based environments and payload-level integration

• Create and evaluate design concepts using thermal analysis and FEA tools such as Thermal Desktop, ANSYS, or equivalent

• Design passive and active thermal control systems, including heat pipes, radiators, thermal blankets, coatings, heater tapes, and thermistors

• Conduct thermal design and analysis for complex mechanical hardware, including precision mechanisms, electromechanical devices, and electronics packaging

• Support the design, fabrication, and installation of Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) blankets

• Lead and participate in environmental test campaigns, including thermal vacuum testing and thermal balance testing

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field

• 6–10 years of hands-on experience in thermal engineering for spacecraft or aerospace systems

• Strong background in heat transfer and thermodynamics

• Experience supporting spacecraft flight programs through environmental testing and launch campaigns

• Knowledge of passive and active thermal control hardware design and implementation

• Understanding of thermal constraints and design requirements in space environments

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex data clearly

• Proven ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams

• Adaptability and resourcefulness in a fast-paced, dynamic development environment

• U.S. citizenship required

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline

• Familiarity with mission-level thermal design trade studies and system optimization

• Experience developing or maintaining thermal analysis automation scripts (e.g., MATLAB, Python)

• Prior experience in a startup or early-stage aerospace company environment

• Experience mentoring engineers and building thermal analysis best practices within a growing team

Benefits

We take care of our people. In addition to competitive salary and equity, Overview Energy offers comprehensive medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage, a health and wellness stipend, 4 weeks paid time off, 2 weeks sick leave, parental leave, and 401(k) matching. Benefits are subject to change at the Company's discretion.

ITAR Requirements

This position is subject to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Overview Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact us at talent@overviewenergy.com.

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