Propulsion Thermal Engineer

PARTECH PARTNERS; Bordeaux; Sur place; EUR 50 000 - 70 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Relocation assistance

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Résumé du poste

A cutting-edge aerospace company based in Bordeaux is seeking a talented Propulsion Thermal Engineer to support thermal analysis and validation of thruster operations. The role involves evaluating heat transfer phenomena and developing thermal models for the Nyx propulsion system. Ideal candidates will have a Master's degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering and experience with thermal analysis tools. The position supports relocation assistance and values diversity within the workplace.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of heat transfer principles.
• Experience with propulsion system thermal justification.
• Familiarity with ECSS or NASA thermal standards.

Responsabilités

• Perform detailed thermal analyses of spacecraft thrusters.
• Develop thermal models for predicting temperature evolution.
• Support thermal test campaigns and produce technical reports.

Connaissances

Thermal analysis of thruster interaction

Thermal modeling and simulation

Transient thermal behavior

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Technical reporting

Programming in Python or MATLAB

Formation

Master’s degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Outils

Thermal Desktop

SINDA/FLUINT

Description du poste

Location

Bordeaux, France

Employment Type

Full time

Department

US & Future Programs
Future Propulsion

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

We want you as a talented Propulsion Thermal Engineer to support the design, analysis, and validation of thermal behavior within Nyx Earth propulsion system.

The role focuses on evaluating heat transfer phenomena associated with thruster operation, including heat soak back effects and thermal interactions between closely integrated propulsion components.

Key Responsibilities

In your capacity as Propulsion Thermal Engineer, your role will be continuously evolving, but day to day your duties will include:

• Thermal analysis of thruster interaction with the system
  • Perform detailed thermal analyses of spacecraft thrusters during steady-state and transient phases.
  • Assess and justify transient heat soak back effects following thruster shutdown, including impact on surrounding structures and components.
  • Develop thermal models to predict temperature evolution in propulsion subsystem.
  • Support and propose design decisions to mitigate adverse thermal interactions.
• Modeling & Simulation
  • Build and correlate thermal mathematical models (Thermal Desktop, ...).
  • Conduct transient and steady-state simulations.
  • Perform sensitivity analyses and trade-offs.
• Verification & Validation
  • Support thermal test campaigns (component and system level).
  • Correlate analytical models with test data.
• Documentation & Reviews
  • Produce technical reports to support design reviews (CDR, QR).
  • Interface with propulsion, mechanical, and system engineering teams.

What we would love to see from you

• Master’s degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with specialization in thermal sciences.
• Experience with propulsion system thermal justification
• Strong understanding of:
  • Heat transfer (conduction, radiation, convection where applicable)
  • Transient thermal behavior
  • High-temperature material behavior
• Experience with thermal analysis tools (Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT).
• Programming/scripting skills (Python, MATLAB) for automation.
• Knowledge of spacecraft propulsion systems
• Familiarity with ECSS or NASA thermal standards.
• Experience in spacecraft development lifecycle.
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration
• Technical reporting and communication

The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.