Thermal Engineer

Simera Sense is a leading provider of Earth observation camera solutions for the global small satellite market.
Committed to excellence and innovation, we deliver superior products and services to our worldwide customer base.
Are you passionate about thermal engineering and cutting-edge space technologies?
We are looking for a skilled Thermal Engineer to join our development team, supporting the design, analysis, and verification of advanced spaceborne instruments and electronic systems.
Working alongside multidisciplinary engineering teams, you will develop innovative thermal solutions that ensure mission success in the demanding environment of space.
Position Type
: Fulltime
Remote Opportunity
: No
Report To
: Lead Optomechanical Engineer
Location
: Somerset West, South Africa
Job Purpose:
Designing, simulating, and testing thermal solutions related to electro-optical imaging systems for use in spaceborne applications such as CubeSats by merging numerous multi-physics design requirements into a single design solution.
Responsibilities:
Collaboration and Support
Work collaboratively with other engineering disciplines (e.g., structural, electrical, optical, mechanical) to ensure integrated system performance.
Provide technical support during the development and operational phases of space missions.
Engage in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance thermal design processes and methodologies
Engage with customers and suppliers on thermal-related queries and technical discussions.
Thermal Design and Analysis
Develop and optimize thermal designs for spacecraft, launch vehicles, and related hardware
Conduct high-level thermal analysis and validate performance through ground tests, flight, and orbital data
Create and maintain thermal models using numerical solutions and hand calculations to predict temperature margins in various space environments
Perform trade-off studies to support thermal design decisions
Thermal Control System (TCS) Development:
Define and implement the Thermal Control System (TCS) for space missions
Establish critical mission environments and thermal requirements for instruments and components
Design and integrate active and passive thermal control solutions
Testing and Validation
Develop and execute thermal verification test plans, monitor test activities, and correlate test results with model predictions
Develop and automate test procedures to enhance efficiency and accuracy
Participate in spacecraft build and testing campaigns
Documentation and Reporting
Generate detailed technical reports and documentation for thermal designs and analyses
Prepare input for technical specifications, product documentation and project documentation
Present thermal design and analysis results in internal and external meetings
Required Qualifications:
Master's degree Mechanical Engineer, Thermal Engineering, or related.
Required Experience:
A minimum of 1 year of experience in thermal design and analysis or mechanical design and analysis (finite element modeling) is a must
Technical Skills and Experience
Thermal Design and Analysis: Experience in designing and analyzing thermal systems for spacecraft, including active and passive thermal control methods
Simulation Software Proficiency: Proficiency in using thermal analysis software
Heat Transfer Principles: Strong understanding of radiation, conduction, and convection heat transfer principles, especially in the context of space environments
Experience with testing and measuring mechanical and thermal systems.
Proficient in generating technical design and test documentation.
Scripting and Programming: Working knowledge of scripting languages (e.g., Python) for automating workflows and improving design efficience
Practical Experience
Hands-on Testing and Validation: Experience in conducting thermal tests and validating thermal models with real-world data
Project Management: Ability to manage thermal projects from concept through to production and operation, including developing test plans and correlating test results with model predictions
Team Collaboration: Experience working with multidisciplinary teams to integrate thermal systems into overall spacecraft design
Recommendations:
A minimum of 1 year of experience in thermal design and analysis or mechanical design and analysis (finite element modeling) is advantageous
Experience in designing optomechanical/thermal systems for spaceborne applications is advantageous.
Knowledge of Siemens Teamcenter and NX software is advantageous.
What we offer:
The opportunity to work in the fast-growing space industry.
Niche global market for optical payloads for microsatellites.
Cutting-edge technology at your fingertips
A competitive salary
A friendly working environment.
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