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. Key ResponsibilitiesLead Thermal Vacuum and Thermal Balance CampaignsDefine test objectives, verification logic and success criteria of the Nyx system TVAC campaignDevelop test plans, test procedures and operational concepts with other functional chains and AITPrepare and lead Test Readiness Reviews, Test Review Board and NCR BoardLead 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 packagesOwn Thermal Test Verification StrategyEnsure 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. Support Flight Model Integration and AITWork 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. Drive Thermal Test Data ExploitationSupport 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. What We Are Looking ForRequired ExperienceMSc or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Thermodynamics or equivalent.10+ years' experience in spacecraft thermal engineeringProven experience leading Thermal Vacuum and Thermal Balance campaigns. Experience with Spacecraft qualification and acceptance programsExperience 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 interfacesExperience with test-data processing tools, preferably Python, MATLAB or equivalentFluent in English. German, French and Italian are an assetSkills & BehaviorStrong oral and written communication skillsStrong analysis and problem-solving skillsStrong organizing and prioritization of tasksPositive and flexible attitude to get the job doneDemonstrates behaviors consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Vision, Competence, Integrity and PassionWhy you should join us!What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is: We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge? We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly. The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible. If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc. 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