Board Thermal Simulation Engineer
Saratoga, CARemoteFull-time
AI Summary
Board Thermal Simulation Engineer focuses on component- and board-level thermal analysis for avionics in a satellite constellation, developing and validating thermal models and evaluating cooling strategies.
About this role
Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you’ve come to the right place!
E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.
We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.
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:
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
Skills
Analytical Heat-path ModelingAnalytical ModelingAnsys IcepakCAD ToolsConductionConnector StressConvectionCTE MismatchDeratingEM/QM Test Data ValidationFlothermHeat TransferMatlabOrbital Thermal EnvironmentsPythonRadiationSolder FatigueThermal AnalysisThermal BudgetsThermal Interface MaterialsThermomechanical Analysis
