Thermal Designer; Contingent

Position

Thermal Designer

We are seeking a Thermal Designer to lead the thermal development and verification of spacecraft subsystems. This role combines thermal architecture, thermal analysis, hardware development, testing, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure spacecraft systems operate reliably throughout all mission phases and environmental conditions. The successful candidate will own thermal performance from concept through qualification, working closely with systems, RF, electrical, software, mechanical, manufacturing, AIT, and mission operations teams to develop robust and scalable solutions.

• Lead the thermal development of spacecraft subsystems from concept through flight qualification and transition into production.
• Own subsystem-level thermal development activities including architecture, modeling, control design, verification, testing, and qualification.
• Design and evaluate thermal control solutions (conductive, radiative, passive) and define requirements, operating limits, and performance margins.
• Demonstrate compliance with requirements through analysis, testing, and documented safety margins.
• Develop and maintain thermal models to predict performance.
• Define verification strategies, success criteria, and environmental assumptions.
• Plan and execute thermal test campaigns, correlate simulation with testing, and improve model fidelity.
• Lead investigations and resolve complex technical issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (systems, RF, electrical, software, mechanical, manufacturing, supply chain, AIT, mission operations) to integrate solutions.
• Facilitate technical discussions, coordinate thermal activities, and ensure integration, verification, delivery.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of methods, modeling, verification, and workflows.
• Act as peer reviewer, mentor junior engineers, and provide technical leadership.
• Promote a culture of technical rigor, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent.
• 4+ years of experience developing thermal solutions for complex mechanical, aerospace, or spacecraft systems.
• Strong understanding of heat transfer, thermo‑optical radiation, thermal control systems, and spacecraft thermal environments.
• Experience developing and correlating thermal models using simulation and physical testing.
• Experience defining thermal requirements, operating limits, and verification approaches.
• Proficiency with one or more thermal analysis platforms such as Simcenter Space Systems Thermal, Thermal Desktop, or equivalent.
• Willingness and ability to leverage AI‑assisted engineering tools to improve productivity and design quality.
• Experience with CAD platforms such as Onshape, Creo, Solid Works, NX, or equivalent.
• Understanding of design for manufacturing, assembly, integration, and test principles.
• Strong communication and documentation skills within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Comfortable in hands‑on development involving prototyping, testing, troubleshooting, and hardware development.
• Experience with spacecraft, satellite, or other mission‑critical hardware.
• Experience assessing and managing thermal interfaces between platforms and payloads.
• Experience defining orbital thermal boundary conditions and thermal architectures.
• Experience with thermal vacuum (TVAC), thermal balance, or environmental qualification testing.
• Familiarity with ESA ECSS, NASA, or equivalent aerospace thermal engineering standards.
• Experience supporting hardware transition from development into production.
• Eligibility for Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) licensure in a Canadian jurisdiction.

Salary Range: $100, CAD (actual total compensation determined at the Company’s discretion).

Job Type: Contingent Upon Program Award.

• Competitive compensation with a robust equity plan.
• Comprehensive coverage for health, dental, and vision insurance (including dependents).
• Unlimited vacation, supportive parental leave policy, and company‑wide holiday shutdown.
• Semi‑annual company‑wide parties and frequent in‑office team events.
• Relocation packages available for approved roles.
• $1,500 annual professional development fund.
• Fully stocked office kitchen with snacks, drinks, games, and top‑notch appliances.
• Town halls, celebration calls, and company‑wide events to stay connected.

Kepler Communications is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

If you require accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please contact our People & Culture team at accommodationce.