Company Description
DisruptXtalent is a boutique recruitment firm specializing in advanced manufacturing and engineering. We build strong connections by truly understanding both companies' and candidates' needs. With a focus on advanced manufacturing, automation, and robotics, we have an extensive network of pre-vetted professionals. Our high-touch matchmaking approach ensures perfect fits and unlocks candidates' full potential by finding opportunities that match skills and values.
Senior Thermal Engineer: Spacecraft Thermal Control Systems
We are partnering with our client to seek a highly accomplished Senior Thermal Engineer with deep expertise in the design, analysis, and verification of complex spacecraft thermal control systems. This critical role demands a history of successful designs, specifically those with a demonstrated record of flawless on-orbit operation. The ideal candidate will be a technical authority responsible for ensuring the thermal integrity and performance of mission-critical components and systems.
Relocation is provided for the right candidate.
Key Responsibilities and Accountability
The Senior Thermal Engineer will lead all aspects of thermal management, from initial concept through flight operations:
- System Architecture: Design and develop comprehensive spacecraft thermal control systems, encompassing both passive solutions (e.g., MLI, coatings) and active solutions (e.g., heaters, heat pipes, cryocoolers).
- Modeling and Analysis: Perform high-fidelity thermal modeling, simulation, and detailed analysis utilizing industry-standard tools, including Thermal Desktop and SINDA/FLUINT. Generate and maintain thermal models across all mission phases.
- Cross-Functional Integration: Collaborate extensively with Systems Engineering, Mechanical Design, and Electrical Engineering teams to ensure cohesive thermal integration and comprehensive spacecraft development.
- Requirements Management: Define, manage, and strictly enforce thermal requirements for all spacecraft subsystems and components. Lead formal thermal design reviews and provide expert input for systems engineering trade studies.
- Verification and Testing: Plan and execute rigorous thermal balance and thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing campaigns. Critically, correlate thermal models to TVAC test data and actual in-orbit telemetry.
- Hardware and Qualification: Support hardware procurement, spacecraft integration, and comprehensive environmental qualification activities.
- Documentation: Contribute to the development and maintenance of formal technical documentation, including detailed analysis reports, test plans, and procedures.
Required Qualifications and Technical Depth
- Education: Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
- Experience: 5+ years of demonstrable experience designing and analyzing thermal control systems for operational spacecraft or satellites.
- Tool Proficiency: Expert proficiency in industry-standard thermal analysis tools (e.g., Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, Ansys Mechanical).
- Foundational Knowledge: A strong, comprehensive understanding of orbital thermal environments and the unique thermal challenges inherent in complex space missions.
- Verification Heritage: Demonstrated experience with spacecraft-level thermal design, modeling, and verifiable on-orbit successful verification.
- Communication: Excellent technical communication, presentation, and documentation skills suitable for formal design reviews and technical reports.
Preferred Skills and Advanced Experience
- Experience supporting designs for diverse orbital regimes, including LEO and GEO missions.
- Direct, hands-on experience with thermal vacuum testing and flight hardware validation.
- Familiarity with established space industry thermal and verification standards (e.g., SMC-S-016, NASA GEVS, ECSS).
- Advanced knowledge of Thermal Desktop, including FloCAD and TD Direct.
- Programming experience using Python and/or OpenTD for automation and advanced analysis.
