Senior/Principal Thermal Engineer

AscendArc is hiring a Senior/Principal Thermal Engineer. It pays $180k-$210k a year and Level rates it ; you can apply on AscendArc.

Level's read on this job

Little AI ●○○○ is how Level rates this role: aI is not part of the work.
The posting allows some remote work.
AscendArc mentions visa sponsorship in this posting.
Tools and skills the posting cites include Ansys Thermal Desktop, thermal analysis and spacecraft design.
Level lists 10 other open roles at AscendArc.

AI in this role

Lead spacecraft thermal modeling and control system design for revolutionary satellite communications at AscendArc.

Ansys Thermal Desktop

thermal-analysisspacecraft-designheat-transfer

Come join us in shaping the future! Get in on the ground floor as an early member of our Mechanical Engineering team as a Thermal Engineer developing a revolutionary satellite communications system. Connect the vision to the hardware, build it, test it and fly it. AscendArc is a startup founded to revolutionize the satellite communications industry. We are looking for doers who want to work in a ground-breaking and fast-paced environment. Our success will depend on your energy, skill, and creativity. Responsibilities

Lead the development of global spacecraft thermal models and subsystem trade studies.
Define and implement thermal control system specifications and test requirements.
Translate mission environments into thermal design requirements, balancing heritage systems with first-principles analysis.
Influence hardware qualification plans and support test campaigns with analysis, instrumentation planning, and data interpretation.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, with a focus in thermal sciences or related discipline
5+ years of experience in thermal analysis, preferably in spacecraft or aerospace applications
Proficiency with industry-standard thermal modeling tools, Ansys Thermal Desktop preferred
Strong understanding of thermal control systems, space environments, and heat transfer fundamentals
Hands-on experience supporting thermal testing, including instrumentation planning and data analysis

Who We’re Looking For
We’re searching for exceptional talent at any career stage — from early-career engineers to senior and staff-level experts. Compensation will be adjusted accordingly. More than years of experience, we value high-caliber individuals with the drive and creativity to help launch Oregon’s first commercial communications satellite.
We’re looking for people who:

Thrive in a cradle-to-grave design environment and take ownership from concept through launch.
Bring energy, curiosity, and a responsible engineering mindset.
Want to work alongside other exceptional people in an environment where great ideas rise to the top.

Hybrid WorkThis position is based at our Beaverton office. We value the collaboration that comes from working together in person, while also supporting flexibility. Team members typically spend three days a week in the office and may work from home up to two days each week. Base Salary
The base salary range for this position is $180,000 - $210,000/year. When determining an individual’s compensation, we consider several factors including skillset, experience, job scope, and current market data, so pay for this role may vary from the amounts listed.
Legal Eligibility to Work
Due to U.S. export control regulations, this position is only open to “U.S. persons.” That means you must be a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or have refugee/asylee status. Unfortunately, we cannot consider applicants on temporary work visas (such as H-1B, TN, O-1, etc.) for this role.
Equal Employment Opportunity
AscendArc is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor or legally protected status.

How we rate this

Senior/Principal Thermal Engineer at AscendArc rates 0 out of 100 for how much of the daily work is AI. That makes it Little AI (AI Level 1 of 4). The level is about AI in the job, not seniority.

Classification

Little AI. AI is not part of the work.

●●●● Builds AI80 to 100
●●●○ Works on AI60 to 79
●●○○ Uses AI40 to 59
●○○○ Little AI0 to 39

Levels come from how often the tools, models and workflows of the role are named in the posting itself. Read the description and count the AI tools, models and workflows it names.

Key facts

Senior/Principal Thermal Engineer is an open job at AscendArc.
Level rates this role AI Level 1 of 4: Little AI.
The listed salary is $180k-$210k a year.
The role is based in Beaverton, United States and is marked remote.
The job was posted on August 20, 2026.
Seniority: senior.
Applications are handled by AscendArc. Apply on AscendArc

Prepare for this job

Built from this posting and from similar jobs on Level.

Skills and AI tools this role asks for

Thermal AnalysisSpacecraft DesignHeat TransferAnsys Thermal Desktop

Questions you could be asked

Tell me about a project where thermal analysis was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where spacecraft design was part of your work. What did you do?
Tell me about a project where heat transfer was part of your work. What did you do?
What's a project where you used Ansys Thermal Desktop hands-on?

Adapt your resume

List these exact terms on your resume: Thermal Analysis, Spacecraft Design, Heat Transfer, and Ansys Thermal Desktop. An applicant tracking system matches the wording, not the idea.
Attach one line of real, concrete experience to at least one of them. A tool named with nothing behind it rarely survives a human read.

Get your CV reviewed before you apply

Send your CV and the role you want next. Your review arrives by email within 3 days.

Get a free CV review Check your resume with the ATS resume checker