Thermal Engineer

Redwire Europe; Kruibeke; On-site; EUR 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Redwire Space in Belgium seeks a Thermal engineer to lead thermal design and analysis for satellites and space systems. You will work with systems engineers, perform hand calculations, ESATAN TMS modeling, and prepare test plans, ensuring traceable documentation and on-time delivery.

The role requires a Master degree in engineering or physics, 2–5 years in thermal engineering, and strong English. Proactive teamwork, clear communication, and a passion for space are essential.

Qualifications

• Master degree in engineering or physics.
• 2–5 years of experience in a thermal engineering role with a focus on thermal analysis.
• Experience with ESATAN TMS is a strong plus.
• Basic understanding of orbits and their relation to the thermal environment seen by spacecraft.
• Thorough understanding of heat transfer phenomena and space thermal environment (radiation, convection, conduction).
• Understanding of active thermal control.
• Knowledge of thermal resistances and contact conductances.
• Hands-on experience with thermal testing (TVAC) is an asset.
• Knowledge of heat pipes and other advanced thermal control methods is an asset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel).
• Programming knowledge (VBA, Python, MATLAB) is an asset.
• Fluency in English (speaking and writing) is essential.

Responsibilities

• Design and validate thermal systems for satellites and space hardware.
• Lead thermal analyses and translate results into design recommendations.
• Prepare, execute, and report thermal tests; ensure traceability of analyses.

Skills

English fluency

Team player

Excellent communication

Problem solving

Education

Master degree in engineering or physics

Tools

ESATAN TMS

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Join the Redwire Space team in developing and fielding end-to-end innovative mission critical space system solutions for next generation space architecture. At Redwire, you will work closely with customers from concept development through mission operations to ensure mission success.

Do you want to launch your career in space? Join us! Whether it's working with satellites, developing docking systems, or building science instruments, you will have the opportunity to do meaningful work in challenging space projects. At Redwire, you'll find a welcoming and diverse team where you can learn and grow while having great life-work balance.

Job description

As a Thermal engineer you are responsible for the thermal design of the project you are working on. The items you are analyzing range from small handheld experiments to large rack sized experiments for the international space station and from small subsystems for various space applications to complete satellites and docking mechanisms. You work closely together with systems engineers to ensure that the product meets all thermal requirements. When necessary, you translate the obtained results in dedicated recommendations to improve the mechanical design from a thermal point of view, this in close collaboration with the other disciplines. Your core task is to verify satellites and other space systems against various launch and orbital cases via simple hand calculations/ spreadsheets and ESATAN TMS. The performed analysis must be properly documented via thermal analysis and trade-off reports. The thermal engineer is responsible for the management of the created thermal models to ensure traceability of the various performed analysis and calculations. Further, you will take the lead in the preparation, execution, and reporting of thermal tests. You correlate the test results with your analysis models and provide support in finding root causes when issues arise during testing. You have a good attitude towards report writing and you are able to work in a structured manner, with a clear focus to get issues resolved in a cooperative spirit within a given time.

Desired skills/ experience/ knowledge

• You have a Master degree in a an engineering or physics related field
• 2-5 years of experience in a thermal engineering role with a strong focus on thermal analysis
• Experience with ESATAN TMS is strong plus.
• Basic understanding of orbits and their relation to the thermal environment seen by spacecrafts
• A thorough understanding of heat transfer phenomena and space thermal environment (radiation, convection, conduction) is required.
• A thorough understanding of active thermal control is required
• A good understanding of thermal resistances and contact conductances is required.
• Hands-on experience with thermal testing (TVAC) is an asset
• Knowledge on heat pipes and other advanced thermal control methods is an asset
• A good knowledge of Microsoft office, in particular Microsoft word and Excel
• Knowledge of a programming language (VBA, Python, MATLAB) is an asset
• Fluency in English (speaking and writing) is an absolute must.
• We are looking for someone who is proactive, creative, enthusiastic, result-oriented, and a team player.
• Good communication skills, able to discuss directly with customers and finding good technical solutions while maintaining control over schedule and budget constraints.
• Passion for space. The space business is very demanding, with very specific analysis and test methods.

Interested, but not sure you meet every single requirement? Research shows that men will apply to jobs when they meet only 60% of the requirements, but women and other minority groups may only apply if they're sure they meet 100%. If you were turning away because you don't meet 100%, well, we'd still like to hear from you - tell us how you're the best fit for the requirements you're sure you meet.

Relocation and Eligibility Requirements

To accept positions and relocate to Redwire Space, candidates must

• have a police/criminal record check, that is not more than six months old.
• be approved by ITAR regulations.
• be uploaded to the greenhouse portal.
• apply directly or be uploaded by a recognized partner.