Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

Here at The Exploration Company, we are building innovative aerospace technologies that advance the future of space transportation.

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

• 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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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

• 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…