Spacecraft Thermal Engineer — Rapid Design & Test

Htu; New South Wales; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Space Machines Company is seeking a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer to work with the Thermal and Mission Systems Lead to analyze, design, and validate thermal control systems for the Optimus Viper spacecraft across orbital regimes.

You will build thermal models, run analyses at varying fidelities, and translate results into actionable design guidance while supporting thermal tests and reviews with avionics, structures, propulsion, and power teams.

Qualifications

• Experience with thermal analysis methods and modeling.
• Ability to translate results into design recommendations.
• Familiarity with space systems engineering.

Responsibilities

• Develop, run, and maintain thermal models for spacecraft and subsystems.
• Support the design and sizing of active and passive thermal control solutions.
• Perform hand calculations and Python-based analyses for rapid iteration.
• Conduct trade studies on thermal architecture to balance performance and mass.
• Support thermal testing campaigns and design reviews.
• Produce clear thermal analysis reports and verification evidence.
• Develop internal tools and workflows to improve speed and traceability.

Skills

Thermal analysis

Thermal design

Python scripting

Data-driven decision making

Tools

Thermal Desktop

Systema/Thermica

ESATAN-TMS

Job description

Space Machines Company is seeking a Spacecraft Thermal Engineer to work with the Thermal and Mission Systems Lead to analyze, design, and validate thermal control systems for the Optimus Viper spacecraft across orbital regimes.

You will build thermal models, run analyses at varying fidelities, and translate results into actionable design guidance while supporting thermal tests and reviews with avionics, structures, propulsion, and power teams.