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Sr Specialist, Thermal Analyst Mechanical Engineer (Space Systems)

L3HARRIS Technologies

Fort Wayne, IN · Posted October 29, 2026

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About the job

Job Title: Sr Specialist, Thermal Analyst Mechanical Engineer (Space Systems)

Job Code: 45380

Job Location: On-site in Fort Wayne, IN or Palm Bay, FL

Job Schedule: 9/80 - Employees work 9 out of every 14 days- totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off

Relocation: Relocation assistance is available for qualified applicants

Job Description:

L3Harris is seeking a Thermal Analyst for spaceborne precision optics, mirrors and cryogenic optical systems for IR payloads.  This role includes completing thermal analysis of entire payloads as well as detailed module analysis and support of the thermal architecture development and supporting trade studies.  This role will include leading small teams of thermal analysts in accomplishing the above assignments. The role includes thermal analysis of circuit cards and chassis with medium to high thermal density in Spaceborne applications.

Essential Functions:

Responsible for thermal analysis of precision optics for IR payloads including optical mirrors, mirror mounts, windows, filters, focal plane mounts and telescopes for cryogenic applications.

Develop detailed thermal models and analyses for all mission phases, including worst case hot/cold environments, eclipse conditions, orbital variations, and mission specific scenarios

Direct development of thermal math models using industry-standard tools such as Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, ESATAN TMS, or equivalent

Provide leadership during spacecraft hardware build, integration, and test—including thermal vacuum (TVAC) planning, execution, anomaly resolution, and correlation of test results to analysis

Collaborate with design engineering and test engineering for the build and test of subsystems and payloads.

Leadership of thermal analysis teams for IR payloads and mechanical subsystems

Author thermal analysis sections of PDRs, CDRs, and other required design reviews

Author thermal analysis sections of CDRL’s and SDRL’s and other compliance documents for customers.

Assist with schedule, cost, and technical leadership of major subsystems and payloads

Complete cost estimation of thermal analysis BOE’s for proposals

Participate in risk assessment and development of mitigation strategies for complex optical payloads.

Collaborate across functions to minimize gaps in requirements, responsibilities and payload performance.

Ability to obtain and maintain DOD Security Clearance

Up to 10% of travel may be required

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in STEM and minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.

4+ years experience in thermal analysis and testing for aerospace environments (temperature and vacuum)

3+ years experience with Thermal Desktop (TD) thermal analysis tool

Preferred Additional Skills:

Experience with circuit card and chassis level thermal analysis for Space

Experience with Creo 4 or Solidworks

Prior IR/cryogenic optical / thermal analysis experience including STOP analysis.

Prior experience in developing thermal control structures and systems such as Radiators, heat pipes networks, thermal straps, cryocoolers or thermal sub-assemblies is strongly desired

Prior experience doing thermal analysis of optical payloads supporting the optimization of heat rejection, power consumption and low mass.

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