Thermal Engineer

Simera Sense; Somerset West; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Friendly working environment

Job summary

Simera Sense is seeking a Thermal Engineer to design, analyze and verify spaceborne thermal solutions for electro-optical imaging systems. You will work with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative thermal concepts that ensure mission success in demanding space environments.

Responsibilities include creating and validating thermal models, performing trade studies, and supporting testing campaigns. A Master’s degree and at least 1 year of thermal/mechanical analysis experience are required.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 1 year of thermal design and analysis or mechanical design experience (FEM).

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize thermal solutions for spacecraft and related hardware.
• Develop thermal models and validate with tests and data.
• Perform high-level thermal analysis and trade-off studies.
• Define and implement Thermal Control System (TCS) requirements.
• Prepare technical documentation and reports.

Skills

Thermal design

Finite element modeling

Python scripting

Heat transfer

Space environment understanding

Education

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Thermal Engineering

Tools

Siemens Teamcenter

Siemens NX

Job description

Simera Sense is a leading provider of Earth observation camera solutions for the global small satellite market. Committed to excellence and innovation, we deliver superior products and services to our worldwide customer base.

Are you passionate about thermal engineering and cutting-edge space technologies? We are looking for a skilled Thermal Engineer to join our development team, supporting the design, analysis, and verification of advanced spaceborne instruments and electronic systems. Working alongside multidisciplinary engineering teams, you will develop innovative thermal solutions that ensure mission success in the demanding environment of space.

Position Type: Fulltime

Remote Opportunity: No

Report To: Lead Optomechanical Engineer

Location: Somerset West, South Africa

Job Purpose:

Designing, simulating, and testing thermal solutions related to electro-optical imaging systems for use in spaceborne applications such as CubeSats by merging numerous multi-physics design requirements into a single design solution.

Responsibilities:

Collaboration and Support

• Work collaboratively with other engineering disciplines (e.g., structural, electrical, optical, mechanical) to ensure integrated system performance.
• Provide technical support during the development and operational phases of space missions.
• Engage in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance thermal design processes and methodologies
• Engage with customers and suppliers on thermal-related queries and technical discussions.

Thermal Design and Analysis

• Develop and optimize thermal designs for spacecraft, launch vehicles, and related hardware
• Conduct high-level thermal analysis and validate performance through ground tests, flight, and orbital data
• Create and maintain thermal models using numerical solutions and hand calculations to predict temperature margins in various space environments
• Perform trade-off studies to support thermal design decisions

Thermal Control System (TCS) Development:

• Define and implement the Thermal Control System (TCS) for space missions
• Establish critical mission environments and thermal requirements for instruments and components
• Design and integrate active and passive thermal control solutions

Testing and Validation

• Develop and execute thermal verification test plans, monitor test activities, and correlate test results with model predictions
• Develop and automate test procedures to enhance efficiency and accuracy
• Participate in spacecraft build and testing campaigns

Documentation and Reporting

• Generate detailed technical reports and documentation for thermal designs and analyses
• Prepare input for technical specifications, product documentation and project documentation
• Present thermal design and analysis results in internal and external meetings

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree Mechanical Engineer, Thermal Engineering, or related.

Required Experience:

• A minimum of 1 year of experience in thermal design and analysis or mechanical design and analysis (finite element modeling) is a must

Technical Skills and Experience

• Thermal Design and Analysis: Experience in designing and analyzing thermal systems for spacecraft, including active and passive thermal control methods
• Simulation Software Proficiency: Proficiency in using thermal analysis software
• Heat Transfer Principles: Strong understanding of radiation, conduction, and convection heat transfer principles, especially in the context of space environments
• Experience with testing and measuring mechanical and thermal systems.
• Proficient in generating technical design and test documentation.
• Scripting and Programming: Working knowledge of scripting languages (e.g., Python) for automating workflows and improving design efficience

Practical Experience

• Hands-on Testing and Validation: Experience in conducting thermal tests and validating thermal models with real-world data
• Project Management: Ability to manage thermal projects from concept through to production and operation, including developing test plans and correlating test results with model predictions
• Team Collaboration: Experience working with multidisciplinary teams to integrate thermal systems into overall spacecraft design

Recommendations:

• A minimum of 1 year of experience in thermal design and analysis or mechanical design and analysis (finite element modeling) is advantageous
• Experience in designing optomechanical/thermal systems for spaceborne applications is advantageous.
• Knowledge of Siemens Teamcenter and NX software is advantageous.

What we offer:

• The opportunity to work in the fast-growing space industry.
• Niche global market for optical payloads for microsatellites.
• Cutting-edge technology at your fingertips
• A competitive salary
• A friendly working environment.