Spacecraft Thermal Engineer (Early Career)
- Entry level
- US citizenship
- ITAR / US person
- Secret clearance
How this pay compares
This posting states $63k–$113k a year. Open mechanical engineer jobs in California post a median of $155k a year, the middle half $126k–$177k, across 282 jobs that state their pay, so this one is below the middle half of what they post. Its title marks it early career, and that figure counts postings at every level of experience.
Mechanical engineers in California: pay by town and employer
About the job
Spacecraft Thermal Engineer (Early Career) - Millennium Space Systems
Company
Millennium Space Systems
Millennium Space Systems, a part of Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS), is a fast, agile small satellite company focused on national security space. Our missions have direct impact to global security, like missile warning and Earth observation.
Our team is curious, bold and innovative. We take risks, innovate and explore new techniques and technologies. We influence change because we challenge the status quo. And when we watch our satellites launch, we know each one of us made it happen.
Job Summary
Thermal Engineers support the Spacecraft Development Program Managers and Chief Systems Engineer through the development of all spacecraft thermal system configurations, designs, analyses, testing, and flight operations. Spacecraft thermal subsystem elements includes all passive and active means of controlling the satellite’s system, subsystem, and component environments within both operating and survival limits during all pertinent system lifetime activities.
Position Responsibilities
- Perform spacecraft thermal design and analyses at the board, component, subsystem, and system level
- Develop systems and spacecraft element thermal models to predict thermal loads, impacts, and temperature margins to support system design
- Brief design and analysis materials to program managers, customers, and/or sponsors
- Identify all materials, processes, and facilities to achieve a qualified spacecraft thermal design and operation
- Support thermal verification testing on spacecraft systems and components including test design, test conduct, data reduction, analysis, and reporting
- Assist in proposal and business development efforts
This position's internal job is Mech Sys Design & Anlys Engr. Our team is currently hiring for a Level 1-2 .
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience)
- Bachelors Degree
- 1 or more years of experience in the design, development, analysis, implementation, testing, and/or operation of spacecraft thermal systems or other related complex thermal systems
- 1 or more years of experience with thermal analysis tools (e.g. Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, Thermica)
- This position requires the ability to obtain a US Security Clearance for which the US Government requires US Citizenship. A final U.S. clearance Post Start is required
Conflict of Interest:
Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company’s Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.
Drug Free Workplace:
Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, is a Drug Free Workplace (DFW) where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.
Total Rewards:
At Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing Company, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.
Millennium Space Systems also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.
The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Summary pay range :
Level 1: $63,000 - $113,000
Level 2: $75,000 - $ 134,000
Millennium is DDTC-registered, ITAR-compliant Company. This position is located at a facility that requires special access. Applicants MUST be U.S. citizens and eligible for a security clearance. Additionally, applicants must be willing to apply for and maintain a security clearance. We encourage all interested candidates to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified.
Category = Engineering
Language Requirements
Not Applicable
Education
Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent
Relocation
Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.
Export Control Requirement
This position must meet U.S. export control compliance requirements. To meet U.S. export control compliance requirements, a “U.S. Person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. §120.62 is required. “U.S. Person” includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.
Safety Sensitive
This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.
Security Clearance
This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.
Visa Sponsorship
Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.
Contingent Upon Award Program
This position is not contingent upon program award
Shift
Shift 1 (United States of America)
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Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
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From Millennium Space Systems's job posting, checked 12 Nov 2026. Requirements, and whether the role is still open, are settled on the employer's own page.
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About Millennium Space Systems
Builds small satellites for missile warning and tracking, a Boeing company since 2018.
Pay on its listings: 93% of its open jobs state their pay
How it pays: Paid as an employee of Millennium Space Systems, under the employment terms each posting states.
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