Senior Mechanical Thermal Engineer

Kapta Space, a VC-funded early-stage startup in Seattle, WA, is breaking new ground in Geospatial Intelligence.  Our technology centers around a proven, scalable electronically-steered radar for sophisticated spaceborne applications such as earth observation using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) techniques, as well as enabling advanced defense missions such as target tracking.

Kapta is seeking a Senior Mechanical Thermal Engineer to lead the development of its spaceborne radar payloads. The engineer will be responsible for design, build and test of high power and deployable radar systems in collaboration with diverse engineering disciplines.

This position requires a strong, self-driven engineer capable of working independently in a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment. The candidate must have a demonstrated capability to apply advanced technical principles, theories and concepts. The ideal candidate must have the drive and experience to complete projects independently and on time. 

• You are able to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team in creating structural requirements for subsystems and components including loads, interfaces and functional requirements
• As a member of our Kapta multi-disciplinary teams, you are leading efforts to create thermal requirements for high-power radar systems including RF and digital systems, PCB’s and assemblies
• You can perform mechanical design and analysis of complex static and deployable assemblies to satisfy launch and on-orbit requirements
• You are able to perform thermal design and analysis of high-power systems to define thermal control and identify passive or active thermal control designs
• You can design, build and test deployable radar systems in c-SWaP-constrained systems
• You are able to manage system-level schedule and integration requirements for payload development and spacecraft integration to ensure on-time delivery
• You have experience with driving environmental testing and qualification of inaugural Kapta payloads
• You are comfortable assisting in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring additional teammates to our rapidly growing team

• BS, MS, or PhD in mechanical, aerospace engineering or related discipline
• Onsite role in Seattle, WA, with intermittent work travel required (less than 10%)
• 7+ years of mechanical and thermal design or equivalent experience
• Strong skills in CAD design (Solidworks) and Finite Element analysis (Femap, Ansys)
• Experience with Electronics Packaging and PCB design
• Build a strong culture of technical excellence, innovation and ownership. Mentor junior engineers

• Airborne or spaceborne structures and thermal design experience, including designing for vacuum environments or environments with high temperature swings
• Experience with heaters, heat pipes, thermal interface materials, and surface coatings.
• Prior experience with RF systems and high-power electronics
• Experience using Thermal Desktop, Ansys Mechanical or Ansys IcePak
• Ability to gain and hold a TS security clearance.

Concerned you do not meet all the requirements? Not a problem - please apply even if you do not meet all these criteria.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Kapta Employees must be U.S. citizens, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or Commerce as applicable. 

Kapta Space is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe that diversity drives innovation, strengthens our team, and broadens our capabilities. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.