Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

The Exploration Company GmbH; Delaware; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Exploration Company in Delaware is seeking an experienced Spacecraft Thermal Verification Engineer to join the Thermal Control System team. You will lead the preparation and execution of thermal verification activities for the Nyx program, including TVAC and Thermal Balance campaigns, and support Flight Model integration and verification.

You will collaborate across engineering, AIT, and test facilities, coordinate qualification activities, and drive anomaly investigations and verification

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Thermodynamics or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation, execution and exploitation of thermal verification activities by test across the Nyx program.
• Own spacecraft-level thermal test campaigns, including TVAC and Thermal Balance testing.
• Support AIT with Thermal Control System Flight Model integration and verification.
• Coordinate thermal qualification activities with other subsystems and ensure compliance with spacecraft verification requirements.
• Collaborate with System Engineering, AIT, Test facilities, Program, Avionics and Propulsion.
• Lead test campaigns and drive anomaly investigations and NCRs.

Job description

Introduction

Here at The Exploration Company, we are building spacecrafts for humanity.

We are seeking an experienced Spacecraft Thermal Verification Engineer to join our Thermal Control System team.

Key Responsibilities

You will be the technical lead for the preparation, execution and exploitation of thermal verification activities by test across the Nyx program. You will own spacecraft-level thermal test campaigns, including Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) and Thermal Balance testing, support AIT with the Thermal Control System Flight Model integration and verification, coordinate thermal qualification activities with other sub-systems, and ensure compliance with spacecraft verification requirements.

You will work closely with System Engineering, AIT, Test facilities, Program, Avionics and Propulsion. You will be part of the TCS & ECLSS Team and will report to the Principal Thermal Control System Engineer.

Lead Thermal Vacuum and Thermal Balance Campaigns

• Define test objectives, verification logic and success criteria of the Nyx system TVAC campaign
• Develop test plans, test procedures and operational concepts with other functional chains and AIT
• Prepare and lead Test Readiness Reviews, Test Review Board and NCR Board
• Lead test logic and execution of spacecraft, subsystem and components thermal test campaigns.
• Drive anomaly and NCR investigations and technical decision-making during testing.
• Present campaign status and recommendations to project leadership.
• Deliver test reports and verification evidence packages

Own Thermal Test Verification Strategy

• Ensure thermal requirements are properly verified through test, inspection or demonstration.
• Build and maintain verification events.
• Drive verification closure toward Qualification Review and Flight Readiness Review.
• Support Technical Reviews, Design Reviews and Qualification Reviews.
• Ensure TCS verification activities by tests remain aligned with program priorities, schedules and risks.

Support Flight Model Integration and AIT

• Work alongside AIT teams during spacecraft assembly and integration.
• Define thermal instrumentation strategies and test configurations.
• Support installation, verification and troubleshooting of thermal hardware.
• Participate in integrated spacecraft functional testing.
• Support leak testing, functional testing, fluid loop commissioning and system check-outs.

Drive Thermal Test Data Exploitation

• Support pre-test thermal predictions.
• Analyze thermal test results.
• Assess subsystem and spacecraft performance.
• Identify design improvements and operational recommendations.
• Ensure lessons learned are captured and disseminated across the organization.

What We Are Looking For

Required Experience

• MSc or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Thermodynamics or equivalent.
• 10+ years' experience in spacecraft thermal engineering
• Proven experience leading Thermal Vacuum and Thermal Balance campaigns.
• Experience with Spacecraft qualification and acceptance programs
• Experience supporting spacecraft assembly, integration and test activities.
• Strong understanding of thermal control systems and their implementation (MLI, Temperature sensors, Heaters, Pumped Fluid Loops...)
• Experience working with suppliers and external test facilities.
• Experience with thermal instrumentation, DAQ systems and test facility interfaces
• Experience with test-data processing tools, preferably Python, MATLAB or equivalent
• Fluent in English. German, French and Italian are an asset

Skills & Behavior

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong analysis and problem-solving skills
• Strong organizing and prioritization of tasks
• Positive and flexible attitude to get the job done
• Demonstrates behaviors consistent with The Exploration Company's core values of Vision, Competence, Integrity and Passion

Why you should join us!

What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:

• We're Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind
• We're Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them
• We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It's a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?

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.

All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible.

If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.