Senior Thermal Payload Engineer - Spacecraft Heat & Testing

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

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.