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Tvac Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Muon Space

Thermal Engineer II

San Jose, CA · On-site

$144K - $177K/yr

TVAC margin, conduction/radiation hand calcs, and transient analyses. * Own the thermal analysis package for an assembly or subsystem end-to-end. * Size radiators and heaters and define component ...

Muon Space

Thermal Engineer II

San Jose, CA · On-site

$144K - $177K/yr

TVAC margin, conduction/radiation hand calcs, and transient analyses. * Own the thermal analysis package for an assembly or subsystem end-to-end. * Size radiators and heaters and define component ...

Jobtailor

Senior Thermal Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Design and execute TVAC testing, including thermal balances * Perform hand-calculations and compare results against model outputs * Pursue operational simplicity * Produce quality documentation of ...

Socket.dev

Thermal Engineer II

San Jose, CA · On-site

$144 - $177/hr

TVAC margin, conduction/radiation hand calcs, and transient analyses. * Own the thermal analysis package for an assembly or subsystem end-to-end. * Size radiators and heaters and define component ...

New

Muon Space

Thermal Engineer II

San Jose, CA · On-site

$144K - $177K/yr

TVAC margin, conduction/radiation hand calcs, and transient analyses. * Own the thermal analysis package for an assembly or subsystem end-to-end. * Size radiators and heaters and define component ...

K2 Space

Senior Thermal Analyst

Los Angeles, CA

$140K - $230K/yr

This is an analysis and simulation-focused role: you won't be sizing hardware or running TVAC campaigns yourself, but your models will directly inform the engineers who do. You will partner with ...

Vast

Staff Thermal Engineer

Long Beach, CA · On-site

Work with test engineering to plan and execute subsystem level thermal tests, especially thermal vacuum chamber (TVAC) testing, as well as perform associated analyses * Provide feedback regarding ...

Muon Space

Camera Test Engineer II

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$159K - $184K/yr

Lead camera-level testing and characterization in partnership with environmental test teams for thermal environmental stress screening (ESS), thermal vacuum (TVAC), radiation, and exported vibration ...

K2 Space

Principal RF Antenna Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$200K - $270K/yr

Qualify radio-frequency and antenna hardware through environmental testing, including vibration, shock, thermal, and thermal vacuum (TVAC) * Assist with design and validation testing for radio ...

K2 Space

Senior Thermal Analyst

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140K - $230K/yr

This is an analysis and simulation-focused role: you won't be sizing hardware or running TVAC campaigns yourself, but your models will directly inform the engineers who do. You will partner with ...

Mundi

Senior Thermal Analyst

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$140 - $230/hr

This is an analysis and simulation-focused role: you won't be sizing hardware or running TVAC campaigns yourself, but your models will directly inform the engineers who do. You will partner with ...

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How much do tvac jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for tvac in California is $23.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $27.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a TVAC?

TVAC typically stands for Thermal Vacuum Chamber technician or engineer, a role involved in the aerospace industry. These professionals operate and maintain thermal vacuum chambers used to test spacecraft and components in conditions that simulate outer space. Their responsibilities include setting up tests, monitoring equipment, and ensuring safety protocols. TVAC jobs require knowledge of vacuum systems, thermodynamics, and often a background in engineering or physical sciences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a TVAC technician?

To thrive as a TVAC (Thermal Vacuum Chamber) Technician, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering principles, typically supported by a relevant technical degree or certification. Competence with vacuum systems, thermal cycling equipment, and data acquisition software is essential. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills for ensuring precise test execution and troubleshooting. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining equipment integrity, achieving accurate test results, and supporting mission-critical aerospace or satellite projects.

What are some common challenges faced by TVAC engineers, and how can candidates prepare for them?

TVAC engineers often encounter challenges related to maintaining precise environmental control and troubleshooting complex vacuum systems during testing. Candidates should be prepared to work with multidisciplinary teams, adapt quickly to unexpected technical issues, and communicate clearly with project stakeholders. Developing strong problem-solving skills and gaining hands-on experience with vacuum chambers, instrumentation, and data analysis can help prospective TVAC engineers excel in this demanding yet rewarding role.

What is the difference between Tvac vs X-ray Technician?

AspectTvacX-ray Technician
CertificationsCertified in radiation safety and imagingCertified Radiologic Technologist (CRT) or ARRT certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, diagnostic labsHospitals, outpatient centers, imaging clinics
Industry UsageMedical imaging, diagnostic proceduresMedical imaging, diagnostic radiography
Common Search IntentTvac vs X-ray TechnicianTvac vs X-ray Technician

Tvac and X-ray Technicians both work in medical imaging environments and require similar certifications. While Tvac may focus more on specific imaging techniques, X-ray Technicians typically have broader radiologic training. Both roles are essential in diagnostic settings, often overlapping in work environment and industry usage.

What are popular job titles related to Tvac jobs in California?

For Tvac jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Tvac jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Tvac jobs in California are:

Tvac jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tvac job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,922 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Thermal Engineer II

San Jose, CA • On-site

Muon Space
Space Research Administration • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Muon Spaceexternal

$144K - $177K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

About the role

Muon Space is hiring a Thermal Engineer II to own the thermal design and analysis of spacecraft assemblies and subsystems - from hand calcs and models through TVAC test support. You'll work independently within your scope and partner across mechanical, electrical, and systems teams. 

This position is hybrid and requires working on-site in our San Jose, CA office three days per week.

Responsibilities
  • Build and run thermal models (Thermal Desktop or similar): TVAC margin, conduction/radiation hand calcs, and transient analyses.
  • Own the thermal analysis package for an assembly or subsystem end-to-end.
  • Size radiators and heaters and define component thermal limits and margins.
  • Support thermal verification and TVAC test campaigns, including data reduction.
  • Coordinate thermal interfaces with mechanical, electrical, and systems teams.
  • Mentor interns and junior engineers through model reviews.
Required Qualifications
  • 5+ years (BS+5 / MS+3) in spacecraft or aerospace thermal engineering.
  • Independent user of a thermal analysis package (Thermal Desktop or equivalent).
  • Experience with TVAC or other spacecraft thermal testing.
  • Solid grasp of conduction/radiation fundamentals and hand calcs.
  • B.S. or higher in Mechanical, Aerospace, Physics, or a related field.
Nice-to-have
  • Scripting in Python or Matlab.
  • Mechanical CAD (SolidWorks preferred).
  • Experience with IR-imaging systems or spacecraft payloads.
Salary

The salary range for this role is $144,000 - $177,000, plus a competitive equity grant and comprehensive benefits package. Final compensation will be determined based on skills, qualifications, experience, and geographic location as assessed during the interview process. 

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