2026 Thermal Analyst

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The Vehicle Systems Division (VSD) sits at the center of the ideas and data behind current and future systems supplying innovative research and development; technical evaluations during the acquisition process; conceptual and detailed design; assembly, integration, and test; and operational support. Comprised primarily of highly-trained mechanical and aerospace engineers, VSD provides national expertise in the areas of vehicle engineering; guidance, navigation, and controls; robotics; electro-mechanical devices; embedded systems; fluid mechanics; propulsion; thermal control; mechanisms; structures; structural dynamics; and dynamic environments.

The Thermal Physics Section within the Fluid Mechanics Department is looking for a Thermal Analyst (Senior Member of Technical Staff - Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering) to provide design and analysis support for the thermal environments of launch and reentry vehicles. The qualified candidate works with internal and external customers as a technical authority in the physics of heat and mass transfer.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility in El Segundo, CA

What You’ll Be Doing

• Conduct analyses, modeling, planning, and review functions associated with heat transfer and fluid mechanics pertaining to launch and reentry vehicles

• Assess steady and transient heat and mass transfer with wide variety of boundary conditions, including coupled physics and phase change

• Participate with multi-disciplinary engineering teams to resolve technical issues

• Perform day-of-launch activities at on-site facilities and national launch sites

• Support on-site and off-site technical interchange meetings, review of contractor analyses, as well as hardware and mission assurance reviews

• Maintain technical currency and stay abreast of advances in the areas of heat transfer and fluid mechanics related to launch and reentry vehicles

• Provide objective technical viewpoints to government and civil customers

• Work closely with program offices and interface with contractors, government personnel, research laboratories, and academia

• Apply strong written and oral written communication skills

• Work effectively both independently and with teams

What Corporate Skills You’ll Bring 

• Strong written and oral communication skills 

• Effective teamwork 

• Strong organizational, time management, and project management skills 

• Demonstrate flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational need 

• Effective interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with other internal and external organizations 

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements:

• PhD degree from an accredited college/university program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline (pursuing or conferred within last 12 months)

• 0-1 years of industry experience

• Background in heat transfer, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics theory

• Familiarity in one or more of the following areas: pyrolysis/ablation, component/system thermal modeling, aeroheating

• Experience in computational thermal analysis or fluid dynamics

• Willingness/ability to travel domestically approx. 10% of the time

• This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

• Transcripts required

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Graduate-level course work in convective and radiative heat transfer, mass transfer, and incompressible and compressible flows

• Experience in pyrolysis/ablation, component thermal modeling, thermal qualification testing, and/or aeroheating

• Experience in use of computational thermal analysis and fluid dynamics

• Experience in use of experimental methods, hardware, and instrumentation

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

$120,000.00 - $140,000.00

Pay Basis: Annual

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.