Thermal Engineer

Job description

𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘅 𝗔𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 Bellatrix Aerospace is building next-generation space transportation and propulsion technologies to enable affordable and sustainable access to space. Our team develops advanced spacecraft systems, propulsion solutions, and satellite technologies that support commercial and strategic space missions. We are looking for passionate engineers who thrive on solving complex engineering challenges and contributing to cutting-edge space programs. 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 We are seeking an experienced 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿 to develop analytical thermal models, perform orbital thermal simulations, and support the thermal design of satellite platforms and payloads. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in spacecraft thermal modelling, radiator sizing, electronic component thermal analysis, and thermal verification using industry-standard simulation tools. 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘀𝗶𝘀 & 𝗠𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 • Develop detailed thermal mathematical models of spacecraft, payloads, electronic units, batteries, propulsion systems, and deployable structures. • Perform steady-state and transient thermal analyses for spacecraft components, electronic equipment, payloads, batteries, solar panels, and complete satellite configurations. • Define thermal interfaces, contact conductance, thermal coupling, conductive and radiative heat transfer paths across spacecraft assemblies. • Understanding of orbital environments and their impact on spacecraft thermal performance. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 • Evaluate and optimize passive and active thermal control techniques including: o Radiators o Heat pipes o Thermal straps o MLI o Surface optical coatings o Heaters 𝗢𝗿𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 • Perform hot-case and cold-case orbital thermal analyses for all mission phases including: o Launch o Commissioning o Nominal operations o Eclipse o Safe mode o De-orbit (if applicable) • Develop worst-case thermal environments using orbital heat loads including: o Solar flux o Earth IR o Albedo o Internal dissipation 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 • Support integration and testing of thermal hardware. • Support thermal balance testing. • Analyze thermocouple and sensor data. • Correlate analytical models with TVAC test data. • Involve in: o Thermal balance test planning o Thermal vacuum test support o Thermal cycling analysis o Test correlation o Model updating o Margin verification 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 • Support anomaly investigations. 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 & 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 • Master's in Aerospace / Mechanical / Thermal Engineering or comparable field or • Bachelor's in Aerospace / Mechanical / Thermal Engineering or comparable field (with relevant research/work experience). • 2–5 years minimum experience. • Academic/Industrial experience in space environment thermal design: • 1+ years for Master's candidates. • 3+ years for Bachelor's candidates. • Experience in thermal analysis on Siemens-SST/NX or equivalent analysis tools. 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 • Fundamental knowledge of thermodynamics and heat transfer. • Spacecraft thermal modelling. • Radiator sizing. • Electronic component thermal analysis. • Thermal verification using industry-standard simulation tools. • Thermal balance testing. • Thermal vacuum testing. • Heater sizing. • Heat pipe integration. • Thermal interface materials. • Structural-thermal coupling. • Design optimization. • Monte Carlo thermal analysis. • Model automation using Python/MATLAB. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗶𝘅 𝗔𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 At Bellatrix Aerospace, you'll work alongside a multidisciplinary team developing advanced spacecraft technologies for the global space industry. If you're passionate about spacecraft thermal engineering and excited by innovation, Bellatrix Aerospace is the place to build your career.