Thermal Engineer - Payload & Optical Terminal
About the Company
Andreessen Horowitz has recently invested in a stealth startup building a space-based data transport network that moves enterprise data between two points on Earth using free-space laser links in MEO. The company is focused on providing multi-Tbps capacity network infrastructure, relying on optics and unique constellation orbit design to deliver reliable bandwidth to enterprises and sovereigns. If you are interested in learning more, please apply or contact the a16z team to connect with the founders.
The Role
You keep the optics stable. A Tbps-class link holds sub-micron alignment across the whole optical path, and that alignment drifts with temperature. Between high-power EDFAs, modem electronics, and precision optics sharing one assembly, thermal control is what keeps the beam path true - not just what keeps hardware alive. Thermal stability is a first-light problem here, not only a field one.
You own thermal for the terminal and bench now, and extend it to the flight payload as the space segment comes online - across real deployment sites, not a controlled lab. You partner with Optomechanical on structural-thermal-optical behavior and with the amplifier and electronics seats on heat loads.
What you will own
Thermal design and analysis for the optical terminal, bench, and - as it comes online - the flight payload.
Thermal stability tight enough to hold sub-micron alignment (STOP, with Optomechanical and Optical Design).
Heat management for high-power amplifiers, drivers, and modem electronics next to precision optics.
The thermal environment across real deployment sites.
Thermal interfaces and budgets for the payload, with the Satellite Systems Engineer.
The roadmap from demonstrator thermal control to a field- and orbit-survivable terminal.
What you should have
Thermal design and analysis depth; fluent in thermal tools (Thermal Desktop, ANSYS, COMSOL, or similar).
Structural-thermal-optical (STOP) reasoning, or a strong feel for how heat moves precision hardware.
Electronics and high-power-component cooling.
Hands-on thermal test and model correlation.
A degree in mechanical, aerospace, or physics, plus modeling skills (Python, MATLAB, or similar).
Bonus
Spacecraft or payload thermal (vacuum, radiative, thermal-vacuum test).
Optical-system or precision-instrument thermal control.
High-power laser or fiber-amplifier cooling.
Deployed or field-hardware thermal experience.
If this list doesn't perfectly match your background but you've done serious precision-thermal or payload-thermal work, reach out anyway - we are always looking for exceptional people.
What this job is really like
We are a lean company by design. There is no program office, no requirements team handing you specs, and no army of analysts. You will build the models, make the calls on incomplete data, and be forced to defend and revise them. You will spend meaningful hands-on time in the lab, not just in reviews. You will own your piece of the system and live with the consequences of your own trades. If you do your best work inside a large, well-resourced program, this seat will frustrate you. If you have been waiting for that kind of ownership from the start, this is the job for you.
Compensation + Benefits
We offer competitive, best-in-class compensation including salary, meaningful equity, and full benefits. Health, dental, vision, generous paid time off (PTO), relocation support, and a real equipment and lab budget.
Location:
Culver City (onsite).