Job Description
About Hera Technologies
Hera Technologies is a precision aerospace manufacturer committed to delivering high-performance components that support both commercial aviation and space exploration. With facilities in California and Florida, we specialize in advanced-material build-to-print components for launch vehicles and next-generation aircraft. Our team is passionate about engineering excellence, collaboration, and continuous innovation.
The Opportunity
We are currently seeking a highly skilled Thermo-Mechanical Engineer to join our technical team. The individual will perform the responsibilities listed below and other duties as required by the Company. The successful candidate must be familiar with a manufacturing environment, be a self-starter who pays attention to detail and accuracy and takes responsibility for their work.
Essential Job Duties
- Perform comprehensive thermal modeling and analysis of flight subsystems and systems, including related thermal hardware, while collaborating closely with customer subject matter experts.
- Develop thermal models of active and passive thermal designs using a mixture of numerical solutions and hand calculations of spacecraft systems, subsystems, avionics, and mechanisms that predict temperature margins in a variety of thermal space environments.
- Analyze test and flight data to correlate models and improve model fidelity.
- Develop thermal verification test plans and support test activities, monitor and correlate test results to model predictions.
- Participate in thermal hardware testing campaigns and qualifications including periods of off-hours or on-call work.
- Work closely with other subject matter experts to define requirements, iterate through design concepts, and demonstrate overall system performance.
- Work with a multidisciplinary team to reduce thermal risk by identifying the constraining elements of a thermal design and recommend mitigation strategies from the concept level to design, production, and operation.
- Conduct thermo-mechanical design trade studies that balance performance margins, resource use, risk, cost, and schedule.
- Document analyses and designs including inputs, methods, and results as needed for presentation at design and test reviews and for hardware implementation.
- Prepare technical documents and presentations to present the results of analysis and tests to Managers, Customers, and/or Stakeholders.
- Interface with Program, Engineering, and Customer teams on thermal design, performance, and test issues and support other teams/disciplines as necessary.
- Develop tools to support concept trade studies and post-processing analysis.
- Primary thermal/mechanical engineering contact to Business Development for proposal and mission concepts.
- Support Business Development activities, including proposals, white papers, and requests for information.
- Other duties as applicable to thermal engineer may be assigned as necessary.
- Skill in leading monthly process improvement meetings to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
- Effective communication with Production, Machining, Maintenance, and Quality departments to ensure timely delivery.
- Capability to improve KPIs: safety, quality, on-time delivery, and efficiency.
- Collaboration skills with Engineering and Contracts personnel on hiring, performance reviews, and promotions.
- Ability to participate in recruitment efforts and support 5-S, health, safety, and environmental guidelines.
- Competence in performing cross-functional operations and maintaining a clean work area.
Required Qualifications:
- Minimum of two (2) years of direct experience working on aerospace and space as thermal subject matter expert.
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, aerospace engineering or other related field from an accredited organization.
- Proficiency with Thermal Desktop or other similar tools accepted in the industry is a must.
- Experience developing detailed thermal and simplified thermal models for spacecraft and rocket systems, subsystems, and components including associated thermal hardware (active and passive).
- Experience with process development, as pertains to thermal analysis methods, testing methods, or model correlation.
- Knowledge of environmental requirements, engineering, thermal vacuum/ambient pressure testing, and hands-on engineering project experience, including use of data acquisition systems.
- Strong knowledge of thermal design management, surface treatments, and insulation material (MLI) used in aerospace and space applications.
- Must possess an understanding of the basic principles of radiation and conduction and convection heat transfer in conjunction with space environment heating effects and parameters associated with spaceflight applications.
- Deep understanding of orbital mechanics and thermal design considerations with respect to launch, MEO, LEO, GEO, and other orbits.
- Experience with CAD software such as NX, Fibersim, SolidWorks, CATIA, etc.
- Proficiency with computational scripting languages (MATLAB, Python, Mathematica, etc.).
- Must have experience leading teams and mentoring entry-level engineers.
- Detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with a strong desire to be a leader/key contributor on a small team.
- Highly responsible team player with a positive attitude and excellent communication and documentation skills.
- Strong foundation and familiarity with applicable industry standards and literature including but not limited to SMS-S-016, GSFC-STD-7000 and Space Mission analysis and Desing (SMAD).
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD US Government Secret security clearance.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with technical leadership responsibilities, such as serving on Risk Reduction teams or as Subject Matter Expert.
- Ownership of technical issues with respect to Engineering Review Boards, NCRs, and other engineering anomalies with the expectation of bringing them to resolution.
- Experience with planning, execution, and data analysis of thermal and/or mechanical testing for launch or space mission applications.
- Proven experience developing full design solutions for mechanical systems in orbital launch vehicle or missile systems.
- Experience in a production environment within the space/aerospace industry.
- Knowledge of ERP systems (JobBoss is a plus) and machining various materials.
- Knowledge of safety/environmental measures, machining operations, and inspection methods.
- Familiarity with designing for rugged environments.
- Master’s or Ph.D. in engineering (Aerospace/Mechanical/Mechatronics Engineering) with a Thermal focus or similar desired.
Physical Requirements:
- Frequently moves around the office and machine shop to gather information and perform tasks.
- Often works at a computer for extended periods, conducting research, reviewing documentation, planning, and other activities.
- Occasionally lifts and moves materials weighing up to 45 pounds.
Why Join Hera Technologies?
- Compensation : Competitive salary ($90,000–$120,000) with growth opportunities.
- Health & Wellness : Comprehensive company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Work-Life Balance : Paid holidays, vacation, and flexible scheduling based on project needs.
- Career Growth : Leadership development and performance-based advancement pathways.
- Locations : Ontario, CA (base), with occasional travel (up to 15%) to Cape Canaveral, FL.
Hera Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace.
U.S. Citizenship required due to contractual and export control regulations.
Job Tags
Holiday work, Flexible hours,