Thermo-Mechanical Engineer

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.