(Senior) Engineer Thermal Payload, meoSphere

SES Satellites; Long Beach (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SES is seeking a Senior Engineer Thermal Payload to lead thermal design, analysis, and testing for space payloads in a fast‑paced hardware team. You will architect thermal solutions, run simulations, and drive qualification tests to ensure reliability across launch and space environments.

The role requires hands‑on experience with TVAC and PCB thermal modelling, and strong collaboration with electronics, mechanical, and systems engineers.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with a focus on thermal systems.
• 5+ years of experience in thermal design/analysis for space or high‑reliability environments.
• Proficient in thermal simulation tools and space‑grade materials.
• Experience with electrical PCBA thermal modelling and thermal interface materials.
• Hands‑on experience with thermal testing methods and TVAC.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Thermal Design & Architecture: develop and implement thermal control strategies for payload components and subsystems.
• Agile Development Support: collaborate with electronics, mechanical, and systems engineers in iterative design sprints.
• Thermal Analysis & Simulation: perform modeling and simulations using ESATAN‑TMS, Thermal Desktop, or ANSYS.
• Test Planning & Execution: define the thermal test approach and validate models against test data.
• Reliability & Risk Assessment: contribute to FMEAs and fault analysis for thermal issues.
• Documentation & Reviews: prepare design docs, analysis reports, and participate in design reviews.

Skills

Thermal design

Thermal analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical skills

TVAC experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

ESATAN-TMS

Thermal Desktop

ANSYS

Job description

Senior Engineer Thermal Payload, meoSphere

Requisition Number: 19460

Contract Type: Permanent

Location(s): Betzdorf, LU | Long Beach, CA, US

Programme Description

meoSphere is SES’s next-generation Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite constellation, designed to deliver secure connectivity services to government agencies, enterprises, and commercial customers. It will also provide high-speed broadband internet to eliminate global connectivity dead zones.

To accelerate development timelines, reduce costs, and ensure quality, SES is internalizing a critical segment of the satellite supply chain: the final integration of partner satellite platforms with SES’s software-defined payloads, all within a cutting‑edge manufacturing and test facility.

Role Description

As a Thermal Engineer, you will play a key role in the design, analysis, and validation of thermal structures and control systems for satellite payloads. Embedded in an agile hardware development team, you will ensure thermal performance and reliability throughout the payload lifecycle. You will also lead the planning and execution of thermal testing strategies, balancing thorough qualification with efficient production testing.

In your first twelve months, you and your team will architect, develop, test, and integrate several high‑power electronic boxes as well as large space phased‑array antennas, ensuring their accommodation and thermal compatibility at satellite level. Within two years, your systems will have flown in space, demonstrating cutting‑edge thermo‑mechanical space designs.

Key Responsibilities

• Thermal Design & Architecture
  • Develop and implement thermal control strategies for payload components and subsystems, including passive and active solutions.
  • Define thermal requirements based on mission profiles, environmental constraints, and system‑level interactions.
• Agile Development Support
  • Collaborate closely with electronics, mechanical, and systems engineers in iterative design sprints.
  • Rapidly integrate thermal feedback into design loops to support fast prototyping and testing cycles.
• Thermal Analysis & Simulation
  • Perform thermal modelling and simulations using tools such as ESATAN‑TMS, Thermal Desktop, or ANSYS.
  • Evaluate temperature distributions, heat flows, and thermal gradients under launch and orbital conditions.
• Test Planning & Execution
  • Define the thermal test approach for payload development.
  • Analyze test data and correlate with simulation results to validate thermal models and refine designs.
• Reliability & Risk Assessment
  • Contribute to reliability engineering tasks such as thermal‑related FMEAs and fault analysis.
  • Identify thermal failure modes and propose mitigation strategies to ensure long‑term payload performance.
• Documentation & Reviews
  • Prepare thermal design documentation, analysis reports, and test procedures.
  • Participate in design reviews and provide expert input on thermal aspects of payload development.

Competencies, Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with a focus on thermal systems.
• At least 5 years of experience in thermal design and analysis for space systems or high‑reliability environments.
• Proficiency in thermal simulation tools and familiarity with space‑grade materials and thermal interfaces.
• Experience with electrical PCBA thermal modelling and thermal interface materials (thermal grease, gap pads, etc.).
• Hands‑on experience with thermal testing methods and equipment, including TVAC.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to work effectively in cross‑functional teams.

Other Key Requirements

• Eligibility for ESA/EU/NATO/National SECRET personnel security clearances. Candidates must be prepared to undergo a security clearance procedure, as this position may require holding such clearance.
• Able to travel nationally & internationally.

The salary range for this full‑time position is $110,000.00 – $150,000.00 + bonus + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on this job posting reflects the target salary for new hires in Torrence, California. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. We understand market salaries can evolve and we are conscious that sometimes these will be open to review.

SES and its Affiliated Companies are committed to providing fair and equal employment opportunities to all. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

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