Thermal Engineer (Mid)

About this role

Apex is seeking a mid-level Thermal Engineer to design and optimize thermal systems for commercial satellite spacecraft. You'll develop thermal models, conduct testing campaigns, and collaborate across teams to create efficient thermal solutions that reduce cost and complexity in satellite manufacturing based in Los Angeles.

What you'll do

• Develop and maintain spacecraft-level thermal models using Ansys Thermal Desktop and analytical tools
• Design and optimize thermal control systems for avionics and electro-mechanical components
• Plan and execute thermal testing campaigns including TVAC and thermal cycling tests
• Develop passive and active thermal hardware such as radiators, heat pipes, and coatings
• Validate thermal analysis against aerospace standards and correlate models with flight/test data
• Support thermal subsystem milestone reviews and oversee flight hardware integration

What they're looking for

• Thermal modeling software (Ansys Thermal Desktop)
• Radiative and conductive thermal analysis for spacecraft
• Thermal control hardware design and selection
• Thermal vacuum and cycling test execution
• Siemens NX and Teamcenter CAD/PLM tools
• Aerospace thermal standards and margin definitions
• Python, C/C++, or Matlab (preferred)
• Thermal interface materials and PCBA thermal modeling (preferred)

Benefits

• Equity ownership in Apex
• Work on cutting-edge commercial spacecraft technology
• Fast-growing startup with $500M+ in funding
• Collaborative cross-functional team environment
• Involvement in full-vehicle thermal systems for space missions