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Remote Spacecraft Design Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Scout is seeking a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer to lead design and development of SCOUT payload ... Our positions are based in Reston, Virginia, with much of our team operating in a hybrid or remote ...

Senior Flight Software Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$127K - $168K/yr

... into spacecraft design and mission operations. * Perform verification and validation of flight ... Our positions are based in Reston, Virginia, with much of our team operating in a hybrid or remote ...

Experience with spacecraft design, mission architecture development, satellite systems, communications systems, remote sensing, or national security space missions. * Strong systems engineering ...

Systems Engineer Principal

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

$160K - $200K/yr

None Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking an experienced ... Spacecraft bus or payload engineering lifecycle (requirements, design, development, integration ...

Principal Electrical Systems Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site +1

$142K - $174K/yr

... remote sensing technologies for demanding spaceflight applications. This position is ideal for an ... Responsibilities Lead the electrical architecture, design, and technical execution of complex ...

... design, integration, test, launch, and on-orbit operations * Coordinate closely with the executive ... Strong understanding of spacecraft systems engineering, including integration across hardware ...

Software Test Engineer

Lanham, MD · On-site +1

$106K - $195K/yr

... as remote or as a hybrid role in Boston, MA or Lanham, MD. Responsibilities: * Design, document ... with spacecraft power, thermal, and command & data handling subsystems. * Communication with ...

Technical Studies Lead

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

$200K - $240K/yr

None Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Senior Lead for ... design/deployment of new protection capabilities into space operations. The Senior Lead for ...

New

... but remote work may be possible if approved by the customer US Citizenship Areas of Desired ... and design of space flight hardware including spacecraft bus and instruments structures ...

Technical Program Manager

Reston, VA · On-site +1

$134K - $173K/yr

... design, integration, test, launch, and on-orbit operations * Serve as the primary point of contact ... Experience leading or supporting execution of space hardware programs (payloads, spacecraft, or ...

Satellite Policy Analyst

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$85K - $100K/yr

We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer ... Remote work is not considered. * Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed to ...

Remote Spacecraft Design information

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in remote spacecraft design teams?

Remote spacecraft design teams often navigate challenges such as coordinating across different time zones, maintaining clear communication, and ensuring all team members have access to up-to-date technical documentation and simulation tools. Collaboration is typically managed through digital platforms, requiring strong self-motivation and proactive communication. While the remote setup offers flexibility, it also demands rigorous project management to meet strict deadlines and mission requirements.

What is remote spacecraft design?

Remote spacecraft design refers to the process of creating, developing, and testing spacecraft systems and components using digital collaboration tools, often allowing engineers and designers to work from different locations. This approach leverages advanced software for 3D modeling, simulation, and communication, enabling teams to design spacecraft without being physically present at a central facility. Remote spacecraft design has become increasingly popular due to advances in technology and the need for flexible work environments. It requires strong coordination, secure data sharing, and effective project management to ensure successful outcomes. The process may involve multiple disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical, and software engineering, all collaborating remotely.

What is the difference between Remote Spacecraft Design vs Remote Satellite Engineer?

AspectRemote Spacecraft DesignRemote Satellite Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, aerospace certificationsEngineering degree, satellite systems certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, CAD software, remote collaborationSatellite systems, testing labs, remote coordination
Industry UsageAerospace, space agencies, private space companiesSatellite manufacturing, telecommunications, space industry

Remote Spacecraft Design and Remote Satellite Engineer roles both require aerospace engineering expertise and involve remote collaboration. However, spacecraft design focuses on creating entire spacecraft systems, while satellite engineers specialize in satellite-specific systems and deployment. Both roles are vital in the space industry and often overlap in skills and industry applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote Spacecraft Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Spacecraft Designer, you need a solid background in aerospace engineering, physics, and CAD design, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency in industry-standard tools such as CATIA, SolidWorks, MATLAB, and familiarity with systems engineering software are essential, along with knowledge of applicable aerospace standards and regulations. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective remote communication skills help you excel in collaborative, distributed teams. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the creation of safe, innovative, and reliable spacecraft components while coordinating seamlessly with global teams.
What are the most commonly searched types of Spacecraft Design jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Spacecraft Design jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Remote Spacecraft Design jobs in Washington? For Remote Spacecraft Design jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Spacecraft Design jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Spacecraft Design jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Remote Spacecraft Design jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Remote Spacecraft Design job openings:
Infographic showing various Remote Spacecraft Design job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution.
Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

Scout Space

Reston, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Scout Space is building a new way to see and operate in space: with a new paradigm of data empowering every satellite to make space safer. We are a rapidly-growing team; we are deploying real solutions to orbit over the next 2 years; and our work will transform the face of spaceflight. We are looking for people that bring excitement and energy to our organization, are curious and eager to learn, and want to help drive our programs forward.
Scout is seeking a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer to lead design and development of SCOUT payload thermal systems. As a Thermal Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the hardware development of SCOUT's on-orbit perception and autonomy capabilities.
Responsibilities
  • Execute complete thermal design lifecycle for complex optomechanical space payloads
  • Work with payload subsystem leads to generate thermal design requirements
  • Build thermal models from component to payload levels
  • Execute on-orbit and TVAC analyses
  • Conduct trade studies to develop passive and active control systems that meet system requirements on performance, schedule, and cost
  • Collaborate with systems, electrical, optical, and software engineers to integrate thermal hardware and software into payload
  • Collaborate with vendors to spec and source thermal hardware
  • Build and test prototype systems for design validation
  • Create plans for assembly, integration, and test of payload thermal subsystem
  • Guide and supervise technicians in integration of thermal hardware

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
  • 5+ years of thermal design and analysis experience specific to complex spacecraft systems
  • Experience with Thermal Desktop modeling and analysis
  • Thorough understanding of heat transfer and thermal control principles
  • Enthusiastic attitude towards individual and team work and collaborating with geographically diverse offices
  • Proven track record of payload design lifecycle completion, including proposal, design, manufacture, assembly, test, and integration
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts and technical information clearly and concisely

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with spacecraft optical systems
  • Full-lifecycle payload or product experience
  • Knowledge or experience in other spacecraft subsystems
  • Familiarity with spacecraft environment and test requirement standards (e.g. NASA GEVS, MIL-STD-1540)
  • Familiarity with supporting scripting tools to support analysis (e.g. MATLAB, SINDA, Python)
  • Ability to tackle multiple projects simultaneously
  • Experience working and collaborating in a fast-paced, small team environment

Benefits
  • Open Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • 401k Matching
  • Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dependent Care FSA
  • Wellness Stipend
  • Work From Home Stipend
  • Life Insurance
  • Long-term Disability plans
  • Commuter Benefit
  • Education Reimbursement

Don't fulfill all the qualifications listed above? If you still feel like you might be a good fit, please feel free to APPLY ANYWAY. We believe in a well-rounded team, and this sometimes means that someone with out-of-context knowledge can contribute just as well as someone with very explicit alignment with our capabilities needs stated.
Our positions are based in Reston, Virginia, with much of our team operating in a hybrid or remote fashion. Our preference is for candidates in or around this area (or willing to relocate) as we scale our facilities and engineering team to provide more opportunities to work and collaborate in-person.
This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.
Scout Space Inc. does not discriminate in employment 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. To conform to US Government space technology export regulations, applicants must be a US citizen, lawful permanent resident of the US, a protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorization from the US Department of State.
We're Proud to Prioritize Mental Health. Scout Space has been recognized with the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America. This certification reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a supportive environment where mental well-being is valued, protected, and openly talked about. We know that when people feel seen and supported, great work happens, and that is the kind of culture we are building here at Scout Space.
Compensation is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Pay range: $140,000-$180,000.