Mechanical Design Engineer

Kepler Communications; United States; On-site; USD 75,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Mechanical Thermal Design Engineer to enhance satellite subsystems through optimized thermal solutions. This role involves working on cutting-edge projects, ensuring robust designs, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in thermal-mechanical design and CAD tools, alongside a strong educational background in engineering. Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, where your contributions will be valued and impactful in the exciting field of space technology.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant thermal-mechanical design experience.
• Experience in design principles for heat transfer and temperature control.

Responsibilities

• Develop thermal design solutions for satellite subsystems.
• Ensure robust designs through calculation and analysis.

Skills

Thermal-mechanical design

Heat transfer principles

Finite Element Analysis

CAD tools (Onshape, Creo, Solidworks)

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Mechatronics Engineering

Tools

NX/Simcenter NASTRAN

Onshape

Creo

Solidworks

Job description

Kepler is on an audacious mission to deliver Internet connectivity to space, creating the infrastructure to support the rapidly increasing data needs of the space economy. With 23 satellites launched to date and our optical constellation on the horizon, our ambition is to improve access to space-generated data, whether in LEO, MEO, GEO, or beyond! Kepler is hard at work innovating and continuing to grow and expand our most important asset – the Team!

Kepler is seeking a Mechanical Thermal Design Engineer to join our Mechanical Engineering group. This role focuses on the design for optimization of heat load handling due to dissipated power in subsystems, heat transfer to system interfaces, and supporting spacecraft thermal controls. Project assignments may include power systems, antenna systems, and other payload support. While the initial emphasis is on thermal design, the role will also require supporting structural design activities across spacecraft subsystems.

The Mechanical Engineering group covers structural design, thermal design, and mechanism design of space systems and payloads. Designers are responsible for overseeing developments from concept through flight qualification and handoff to production.

Responsibilities:

1. Focus on development of thermal design solutions for satellite sub-systems from initial concept through flight qualification.
2. Ensure robust designs through calculation and analysis demonstrating and documenting margins of safety against temperature limits for components in various power handling modes.
3. Establish reliable heat transfer mechanisms to system boundaries.
4. Work closely with other cross-functional engineering teams (RF, electrical, systems, etc.) to develop full product solutions.
5. Identify requirement verification methods and establish plans to mitigate technical risks through analysis, test, etc.
6. Generate documentation required to substantiate designed solutions, including drawings and design analysis reports.
7. Support structural CAD design of subsystems as needed.
8. Own prototype build and test to identify key areas for improvement.
9. Act as peer or lead reviewer providing technical oversight on other active designs.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

1. 5+ years of relevant thermal-mechanical design experience.
2. Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, mechatronics engineering, or equivalent.
3. Experience in design principles for heat transfer and temperature control.
4. Experience in verifying designs through Finite Element Analysis and testing (NX/Simcenter NASTRAN Thermal & Space Systems Thermal preferred).
5. Experience with one or more CAD tools (Onshape, Creo, Solidworks, etc.).
6. Understanding of Design for Manufacturing practices.
7. Strong communication and documentation skills working in a multidisciplinary team.
8. Comfortable in an R&D lab environment.
9. Comfortable using basic hand and power tools.

Bonus Points:

1. Experience in satellite thermal analysis.
2. Familiarity with ESA ECSS or NASA thermal standards.
3. PEng eligibility.

Kepler Communications is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees and customers feel valued, respected, and supported. We welcome applications from women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, visible minorities, people who identify as LGBTQ+, and others who may contribute to diversification in our workplace.

As part of our commitment to accessibility for all persons with disabilities, Kepler will, upon request, provide accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure equal access. Please contact our People & Culture team through our Career Page to make your accommodation needs known, and we will consult with you to ensure suitable accommodation is provided.