Principal Thermal Architect

MDA; Montreal (administrative region); On-site; CAD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Life insurance & disability coverage

Group retirement savings plan

Job summary

MDA Space seeks a Principal Thermal Architect for its Satellite Systems team in Montreal. You will lead thermal design for satellites and subsystems, oversee thermal modeling and testing, and collaborate with systems and mechanical teams to ensure reliable performance in extreme space environments.

The role requires a deep understanding of heat transfer, 15+ years in space thermal engineering, and bilingual communication in French and English to interact with clients outside Quebec.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in space thermal engineering at satellite and subsystem level.
• Experience with thermal modeling and TVAC operations.
• Fluent in French and English (contacts with clients outside Quebec).

Responsibilities

• Lead thermal design at satellite and subsystem levels.
• Solve thermal challenges for electronic subsystems and ensure integration with mechanical and electrical designs.
• Perform thermal optimization analyses to maximize performance, weight and power efficiency.
• Evaluate active and passive cooling strategies (MLI, radiators, heat pipes).
• Supervise high-fidelity thermal models for tests and on-orbit phases.
• Document concepts and present at formal reviews.
• Develop test plans to validate thermal concepts and analyze results.
• Supervise TVAC testing and ambient thermal cycling tests.
• Collaborate with systems and mechanical teams as a thermal reference.
• Support integration of thermal components with satellite assemblies.
• Propose innovative solutions to improve performance and reduce costs.
• Stay informed of industry advances to deliver cost-effective solutions.

Skills

Multitasking

Prioritization

Deadlines

Electronic packaging

Thermal testing

Bilingualism

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering

Tools

Siemens NX Space Systems Thermal

Job description

MDA Space (TSX : MDA) is a trusted mission partner of 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, Earth and space observation, and space infrastructure and exploration. With a team of over 5,500 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 deliverable mission, combining a unique mix of experience, technical excellence, and the sense of wonder that has been in our DNA from 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 Architect within 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. Backed by a long history in 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 made up of passionate, collaborative, and driven individuals, and we are constantly looking for others to join TeamMDA to spark 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 wish to inspire the next generation, we will take you there.

We have entered a new era of exploration and development, and MDA invites anyone 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's and Canada's leadership status in this new chapter.

Role:

Within 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. This position involves leading thermal optimization studies, supervising the creation of thermal mathematical models (TMM), and overseeing thermal testing to ensure reliable space system performance in the extreme thermal environments of space. The candidate must have an in-depth understanding of heat transfer principles, extensive experience in satellite thermal management, strong analytical skills, thorough knowledge of multidisciplinary subsystem interactions, and a proven ability to innovate by introducing new technologies to solve complex challenges. They must also demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibility:

• Lead thermal design at the satellite and subsystem levels.
• Solve thermal challenges specific to electronic subsystems such as high-power processors and RF systems, and ensure the effective integration of thermal solutions with mechanical and electrical designs.
• Perform thermal optimization analyses to maximize system performance, weight, 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.).
• Supervise the creation of high-fidelity thermal models to analyze 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) testing and ambient pressure thermal cycling tests.
• Act as a thermal reference in cross-functional teams by 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 costs.
• Stay informed of industry advances and leverage them to design and deliver innovative and cost-effective solutions.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Minimum bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or equivalent.
• Minimum 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 in thermal modeling, preferably with Siemens NX Space Systems Thermal.
• Experience in thermal testing, particularly with TVAC operations, thermal cycle chambers, instrumentation, and data processing.
• Ability to speak and write in both French and English (Contact with clients outside Quebec).

Desirable Skills:

• Multitasking ability.
• Ability to identify key issues 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.

#LI-DM1 #IND1 #SP

Special Considerations:

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

Benefits Statement:

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

Equal Opportunity Statement:

MDA Ltd. is proud to offer accommodations throughout the recruitment process. If you wish to avail yourself of such measures, please indicate it in your application or cover letter, and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.