Principal Thermal Architect

MDA; Montreal; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

MDA Space in Montreal is seeking a Principal Thermal Architect to join the satellite systems team. You will lead thermal design and validation for satellites and subsystems, applying heat-transfer expertise and modeling to meet extreme space environments.

You will oversee thermal-optimization studies, develop high-fidelity models, and coordinate TVAC tests, while collaborating with cross-functional teams. Fluency in French and English and a passion for innovation are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering (or equivalent).
• 15+ years in space thermal engineering at satellite/subsystem level.
• Knowledge of ECSS, NASA, MIL-STD design standards.
• Experience with thermal modeling, preferably using Siemens NX Space Systems Thermal.
• Experience in thermal testing, including TVAC operations and data processing.
• Ability to communicate in French and English for customer contacts outside Québec.

Responsibilities

• Lead thermal design at the satellite- and subsystem-level.
• Oversee thermal-optimization analyses to maximize performance, mass, and power efficiency.
• Develop high-fidelity thermal models and validate them with tests.
• Oversee TVAC testing and ambient-thermal-cycle testing.
• Collaborate with systems, mechanical, and electrical teams.
• Document concepts and present them at formal reviews.
• Stay current on industry advances to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions.

Skills

Multitasking

Problem solving

Deadline management

Electronic packaging knowledge

Thermal testing experience

Bilingual (French/English)

Space industry experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

Siemens NX Space Systems Thermal

Job description

Posting Details

MDA Space (TSX: MDA) is a trusted mission partner for the global space industry that creates the space between what is proven and what is possible. As a pioneer in robotics, satellite systems, and geospatial intelligence, with a 55-year history of world-firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a worldwide leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, as well as space infrastructure and exploration.

The MDA Space team—more than 5,500 space experts in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom—has the knowledge and know-how to turn a client’s bold vision into an achievable mission, thanks to a unique blend of experience, technical excellence, and wonder that has been part of our DNA from day one. For those who dream big and push the limits on Earth and among the stars to make the world a better place, we’ll take you there.

We are looking for a Principal Thermal Architect to join our satellite systems team at our Montreal office.

As the world’s leading independent commercial supplier of antennas, payloads, and electronics for communications satellites and radars, our team has successfully contributed to hundreds of missions over the past 60 years. With deep experience delivering a wide range of solutions to customers worldwide, our satellite-systems group continues to grow and evolve both on the ground and in the stars.

We are a dream team of passionate, collaborative, and determined people, and we are constantly looking for more individuals to join the #MDATeam to spark fresh, innovative problem-solving approaches that help us improve life on and above Earth. If you’re excited about expanding our footprint in space and want to inspire the next generation, we’ll lead you there.

We have entered a new era of exploration and development, and MDA invites anyone who wants to get involved and be part of it. As an equal-opportunity employer that values diversity, integrity, and collaboration, we are committed to strengthening MDA’s and Canada’s leadership status in this new chapter.

Role

In a multidisciplinary engineering team, the senior thermal architect plays a key role in the design, analysis, and validation of thermal control for satellites and satellite subsystems. The position involves leading thermal-optimization studies, overseeing the creation of thermal mathematical models (TMM), and supervising thermal testing to ensure reliable performance of space systems in the extreme thermal environments of space.

The candidate must have deep knowledge of heat-transfer principles, extensive experience in satellite thermal management, strong analytical skills, an in-depth understanding of multidisciplinary interactions among subsystems, and a proven ability to innovate by introducing new technologies to solve complex challenges. Strong leadership and communication abilities are also required.

Responsibilities

• Lead thermal design at the satellite- and subsystem-level.
• Solve thermal challenges specific to electronic subsystems such as high-power processors and RF systems, and ensure effective integration of thermal solutions with mechanical and electrical designs.
• Perform thermal-optimization analyses to maximize system performance, mass, and power consumption while meeting mission requirements.
• Evaluate thermal-control strategies, including active and passive systems (MLI surface finishes, thermal straps, radiators, heat pipes, etc.).
• Oversee the creation of high-fidelity thermal models to predict behavior in various operating scenarios, including test, launch, and on-orbit phases.
• Document thermal concepts and present them during formal reviews.
• Develop test plans and procedures to demonstrate the validity of thermal concepts and analyze test reports.
• Supervise thermal testing, including thermal-vacuum (TVAC) tests and ambient-pressure thermal-cycle tests.
• Act as the thermal authority within cross-functional teams, working closely with systems specialists and mechanical designers.
• Support the integration of thermal components with satellite assemblies.
• Propose and implement innovative solutions to thermal challenges to improve performance and reduce cost.
• Stay current on industry advances and leverage them to design and deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (minimum) in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or equivalent.
• At least 15 years of experience in space thermal engineering at the satellite and subsystem level, preferably in a commercial environment.
• Knowledge of thermal design standards (ECSS, NASA, MIL-STD).
• Experience with thermal modeling, preferably using Siemens NX Space Systems Thermal.
• Experience in thermal testing, including TVAC operations, thermal-cycle chambers, instrumentation, and data processing.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in both French and English (customer contact outside Québec).

Desired Skills

• Ability to multitask.
• Ability to identify key problems in a design, prioritize them, and resolve 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

Selected candidates must obtain and hold a security clearance at the reliability level and pass the security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.

Benefits Statement

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

Equal-Opportunity Statement

MDA Ltd. is proud to provide accommodation measures during the recruitment process. If you need such accommodations, please indicate so in your cover letter or application, and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.