Principal Thermal Analyst

MDA; Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Benefits package

Job summary

MDA Space in Montreal is seeking a Principal Thermal Analyst to join the Satellite Systems group. You will develop thermal concepts, run analyses, and plan qualification tests to ensure satellites meet thermal requirements.

The role requires leadership of junior analysts, collaboration across disciplines, and strong communication with clients outside Quebec. A background in space environments and 10+ years in thermal modeling is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering (or equivalent) required.
• 10+ years of thermal analysis experience and creation of thermal mathematical models (TMM).
• Experience delivering thermal concepts for satellites or space subsystems.
• Knowledge of space environments; space industry experience is a plus.
• Fluent in French and English for client interactions outside Quebec.

Responsibilities

• Select appropriate thermal protections and active/passive thermal control equipment.
• Perform detailed modeling and simulations.
• Predict temperature distribution and thermal loads through launch, orbital transition, and in-orbit operation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate thermal systems into satellite design.
• Plan thermal environment tests to qualify concepts or validate equipment design.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations for design reviews and clients.
• Supervise junior thermal analysts as needed.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and CGP/ITAR requirements.
• Review thermal aspects of subcontracted systems.

Skills

Thermal analysis

Team collaboration

Multidisciplinary coordination

Bilingual FR/EN

Education

BSc in Mechanical/Aerospace

Tools

NX / Space Systems Thermal

Job description

MDA Space (TSX : MDA) is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry, creating the space between the proven and the possible. As a pioneer in robotics, satellite systems and geospatial intelligence, with a 55-year history of world firsts and over 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space infrastructure and exploration. With a team of more than 4,000 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK, MDA Space has the knowledge and know-how to turn a client's bold vision into a realizable mission, through a unique combination of experience, technical excellence and a sense of wonder that has been part of our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on Earth and in the stars to change the world for the better, we'll take you there.

Are you ready to take the next step in your career within the new space economy? We would love to hear from you!

We are looking for a Principal Thermal Analyst to join our Satellite Systems team at our Montreal office.

As the world's leading independent commercial supplier of antennas, payloads and electronics for communication satellites and radars, our team has successfully contributed to hundreds of missions over the past 60 years. With a long-standing track record across a wide range of solutions delivered to customers worldwide, our Satellite Systems team continues to grow and evolve on the ground and in the stars.

We are a dream team of passionate, collaborative, and driven individuals, and we are constantly looking for others to join #TeamMDA to drive new and innovative approaches to problem-solving that push us to improve life on and above Earth. If you are excited to expand our place in space and want to inspire the next generation, we will take you there.

We have entered a new era of exploration and development, and MDA invites everyone who wants to get in and be a part of it. As an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, integrity, and collaboration, we are committed to strengthening MDA and Canada's leadership position in this new chapter.

Role :

Within a multidisciplinary engineering team, the thermal analyst contributes to the development of state-of-the-art satellites and subsystems by developing thermal concepts, performing analyses, and planning qualification tests, thereby ensuring products meet their thermal requirements.

Responsibility :

• Select appropriate thermal protections as well as active or passive thermal control equipment, surface finishes, and interfaces.
• Perform detailed modeling and simulations.
• Predict temperature distribution and thermal loads in materials/equipment at various stages of product life: launch, orbital transition, and in-orbit operation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate thermal systems into satellite design.
• Recommend the best mechanical design based on the evaluation of thermal behavior and space material characteristics.
• Plan thermal environment tests to qualify new thermal concepts or validate equipment design.
• Ensure that hardware is safe and functional in the required thermal environments.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations to support design reviews and client interactions.
• Supervise junior thermal analysts as needed.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, best practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Supervise and review the thermal aspects of subcontracted systems.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or equivalent, required at a minimum.
• At least 10 years of experience in thermal analysis and the creation of thermal mathematical models (TMM), preferably with Nx/"Space Systems Thermal" (or "TMG").
• Knowledge of thermal issues and solutions specific to electronic equipment.
• Proven experience in delivering thermal concepts for satellites or space subsystems.
• Knowledge and understanding of space environments; experience in the space industry is a major asset.
• Ability to identify key design issues and prioritize them accordingly.
• Ability to collaborate with specialists from other disciplines, notably system specialists, to identify the best overall concepts.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in parallel.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Ability to express oneself orally and in writing in French and English (Contact with clients outside Quebec).

Desirable Skills :

• Multitasking ability.
• Ability to identify key problems in a design, prioritize them & solve them accordingly.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of electronic packaging.
• Experience in thermal testing.
• Bilingualism.
• Experience in the space industry and understanding of electrical requirements are assets.

Special Considerations :

• Successful candidates must obtain and hold a reliability status security clearance and pass the security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.

Benefits Statement :

MDA offers competitive compensation and benefits to employees across all its locations. As a member of the MDA team, you and your eligible dependents can enroll in an employee benefits package that provides a comprehensive level of protection through competitive healthcare, including: supplemental health plans and flexible drug plans, dental and vision care benefits, income protection in the event of disability, life insurance, group retirement savings plans, and an employee and family assistance program.

Equal Opportunity Statement :

MDA Ltd. is proud to provide accommodation during the recruitment process. If you wish to avail yourself of such accommodation, please indicate so in your application or cover letter, and we will collaborate with you to meet your accessibility needs.