Senior Thermal Engineer
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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.
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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)