Holt Executive has partnered with a leader in nanosatellites manufacturing and operation, to provide custom communication solutions for their clients.
Our partner is seeking a Thermal Engineer to be responsible for the design, development, and testing of thermal and mechanical systems for their nanosatellites and microsatellites. You will work closely with other engineers to ensure everything fits together seamlessly. You will have a background in thermal engineering, but a mechanical engineering background may also be considered. You will be involved in the entire satellite project lifecycle, from the initial sale to the final assembly and testing in their cleanroom facilities.
Key Responsibilities for the Thermal Engineer:
- Use simulations and analysis to understand how satellite systems will react to different operating conditions and mission scenarios in terms of temperature.
- Develop and optimise systems to manage satellite temperature, considering both passive techniques and active methods while ensuring they don’t interfere with the mechanical structure.
- Provide input on the design of structures, mechanisms, and interfaces for nanosatellites to ensure they work well with the chosen thermal control solutions.
- Work with other engineers to seamlessly integrate thermal solutions into the overall satellite design, considering factors like heat generation, material properties, structural limitations, and power usage.
- Develop test plans and procedures, including thermal vacuum testing, to verify the thermal design’s performance and ensure it meets all requirements. Analyse the test data and recommend improvements for future thermal systems.
- Ensure proper installation, alignment, and functionality of thermal and mechanical hardware during manufacturing, assembly, and integration.
- Develop structures, mechanisms, and interfaces for nanosatellites, ensuring compatibility with the thermal control system.
- Use FEA software to validate the mechanical design’s strength and ensure it meets performance requirements.
- Develop test plans and procedures for various mechanical tests (vibration, structural load, etc.) to verify design performance and compliance with requirements. Analyse the test data and recommend improvements for future mechanical systems.
Key Skills & Experience Required by the Thermal Engineer:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field; master’s degree preferred.
- Proven experience in thermal design and analysis, preferably in the aerospace or satellite industry.
- Proficiency in thermal analysis software, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software (e.g., COMSOL or similar), and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software (e.g., SolidWorks).
- Experience in thermal nodal modelling.
- Strong understanding of heat transfer principles, thermodynamics, structural mechanics, and material science.
- Experience with thermal and mechanical testing methodologies and equipment, including thermal vacuum chambers, temperature sensors, mechanical shakers, and load frames.
- Familiarity with spacecraft environmental requirements, space mission constraints, and mechanical design standards and familiarity with ECSS standards would be nice to have.
- Familiarity with Python and MATLAB.
In addition, the following experience/qualifications will be beneficial:
- Proven experience in mechanical design and analysis, preferably in the aerospace or satellite industry.
- Proficiency in mechanical analysis software.
- Experience with radiation work is an advantage including –
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- Testing methodologies and standards, including TID, SEE, and displacement damage testing are an advantage.
- Knowledge of radiation-hardened electronic components, materials, and design techniques.
- Ability to perform radiation dose and SEE simulations using Monte Carlo-based simulation code.
If your skills and experience match this Thermal Engineer opportunity, we encourage you to apply now!