Thermal Structure Engineer

Job Title

Thermal Structure Engineer

Location

EDWARDS, CA 93523 US (Primary)

Category

Engineering, General Laborer

Job Type

Full-Time

Compensation Minimum (USD)

$85,000

Compensation Maximum (USD)

$115,000

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Citizenship Status Required

U.S. Citizen

Security Clearance Required

Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance

Job Description

About Science and Technology Corporation (STC):
Founded in 1979, Science and Technology Corporation (STC) delivers an extensive range of award-winning advanced scientific, engineering, and technical support services to the U.S. Government and Industry customers. Our proven expertise and experience span scientific research, development, test and evaluation in areas such as earth and atmospheric sciences, engineering, data science and software engineering. Will you join our world-class team?

• Employment Category: Full-Time/Regular
• Scheduled: 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM, 9/80 compressed schedule
• Work Environment: Work performed in office, lab, and test environments
• Location: NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC), Edwards AFB, CA
• Security Clearance: Must be able to secure and maintain a security clearance.
• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Salary: $85,000 - $115,000

Job Summary

The Thermal Structures Engineer supports the design, analysis, and testing of aerospace structures exposed to complex thermal environments at NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC).

This role focuses on solving real-world engineering challenges where thermal and structural performance directly impact flight safety and mission success. You will work hands-on with flight hardware, test systems, and multidisciplinary teams to develop and validate solutions for advanced research aircraft.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge flight programs where your work transitions quickly from analysis to hardware to flight.

Primary Responsibilities

Thermal & Structural Analysis

• Perform thermal and structural analysis of aerospace components under combined loading environments
• Evaluate heat transfer effects and resulting stresses, deformation, and margins of safety
• Develop and run finite element models and supporting hand calculations
• Conduct trade studies to optimize performance, weight, and reliability

Thermal Test & Evaluation

• Support thermal and structural testing in lab environments, including Flight Loads Lab activities
• Assist with design and setup of test fixtures and thermal control systems
• Analyze test data to validate models and support engineering decisions
• Ensure data quality, traceability, and engineering usability

Engineering Development

• Develop thermal management approaches for aerospace structures
• Support design of hardware exposed to high-temperature or extreme environments
• Select materials and configurations to meet thermal-structural requirements

Engineering Coordination

• Work closely with structures, systems, and test teams to integrate solutions
• Provide input during design reviews and test planning
• Support execution of test activities and troubleshooting

Technical Documentation

• Prepare analysis reports, test documentation, and engineering justifications
• Document assumptions, methods, and results clearly and concisely
• Support internal reviews and technical briefings

Key Benefits and Impact

• Work directly on flight hardware and real aircraft systems
• Contribute to advanced aerospace research and next-generation technologies
• Be part of a small, high-performing engineering team
• See your work move from concept to test to flight

Job Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Thermal Engineering
• 3+ years of relevant experience or advanced degree
• Experience with thermal and/or structural analysis
• Proficiency with FEA tools (e.g., NASTRAN, ANSYS, Abaqus)
• Understanding of heat transfer and structural behavior
• Ability to perform hand calculations and engineering trade studies
• U.S. Citizenship required

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Thermal Engineering
• Experience with high-temperature structures or thermal protection systems
• Experience with coupled thermal/structural analysis
• Background in test environments or flight hardware
• Familiarity with aerospace standards or flight test operations

We are equal opportunity/affirmative action employers, committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under state or local law.