Fluids Design Engineer - Heat Exchangers
Company: Orbital Operations
Location: Long Beach
Posted on: April 2, 2026
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Job Description:
About the role Orbital Operations is seeking a highly motivated
Fluid Systems Engineer to lead the design and development of heat
exchangers critical to our Cryogenic Propulsion Management System
(CPMS). You will design thermal management hardware that integrates
with reverse Brayton cycle (RBC) systems, high-performance
turbomachinery, and low-loss cryogenic storage. The ideal candidate
brings experience designing and prototyping thermal-fluid systems
for aerospace or other high-performance environments and is excited
to help shape the infrastructure for a more maneuverable space
domain. Key Responsibilities include: Lead conceptual and detailed
design of cryogenic heat exchangers, including plate-fin, printed
circuit, and custom compact geometries. Perform thermal and fluid
flow analysis across operating conditions typical of in-space
cryogenic systems (e.g. LOX, LH2, GN2, GH2). Collaborate with the
turbomachinery and RBC subsystem teams to ensure thermal interfaces
and system dynamics are optimized for performance, reliability, and
thermal stability. Support system modeling and simulations (FEA,
CFD) to validate heat exchanger performance and optimize geometry
under extreme space environments. Interface with fabrication
partners to develop manufacturing approaches for high-precision
cryogenic heat exchangers. Required Qualifications B.S. in
Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field. 3
years of experience in heat exchanger or cryogenic thermal system
design in aerospace or similar hardware-focused industry.
Proficiency in thermal/fluid simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS,
STAR-CCM, COMSOL). Experience with materials and fabrication
methods relevant to cryogenic and vacuum environments (e.g.,
brazing, diffusion bonding, welded alloys). CAD proficiency (e.g.,
SolidWorks, NX, or equivalent). Strong written and verbal
communication skills. Familiarity with systems engineering
practices and traceable design processes Preferred Qualifications
Experience with cryogenic propulsion systems, reverse Brayton
cycles, or compact high-performance heat exchangers. Working
knowledge of aerospace fluid system standards (e.g., NASA-STD-5017,
ASME BPVC VIII). Hands-on experience with prototyping, testing, or
qualifying flight hardware. Programming skills in Python or MATLAB
for data reduction or automation of analysis workflows.
Keywords: Orbital Operations, Palmdale , Fluids Design Engineer - Heat Exchangers, IT / Software / Systems , Long Beach, California
