Satellite Thermal Engineer

At NewOrbit Space, our mission it to engineer the lowest orbiting satellites on Earth to rapidly advance global connectivity and insight.

We are currently building satellites that can breathe air and operate at an altitude of just 200 km - one-third that of conventional satellites. Thanks to our proprietary propulsion system we can compensate for the atmospheric drag at ultra low altitudes using the air as propellant.

Please note that as we prepare for our maiden satellite mission, we are in a critical growth phase. Our roles will often require extended hours and are not typical 9-to-6 positions.

Your Role

We are looking for a skilled Thermal Engineer with experience in spacecraft thermal management at both the subsystem and satellite level. You’ll work closely with a cross-functional team—including mechanical, propulsion, electronics, and mission planning—to ensure reliable thermal performance of our satellite throughout all mission phases: from launch to operation in orbit and end-of-life, with temperatures exceeding 200°C. You should be capable of delivering a thermal control system from scratch and taking full ownership of it, ensuring the success of our mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform steady-state and transient thermal analysis of the spacecraft across all mission phases (TVAC testing, launch, orbit).

• Model and validate heat management strategies in the harsh environment of vacuum, where conduction and radiation are dominant, using Finite Difference Lump Capacitance and Ray Tracing simulations.

• Identify and manage worst-case scenarios in extreme thermal conditions (both hot and cold), accounting for on-orbit environmental factors and internal power losses.

• Design and implement thermal control solutions such as multilayer insulation (MLI), radiators, heaters, thermo-optical coatings, and heat pipes.

• Develop and support thermal vacuum (TVAC) test procedures, instrumentation setup, and post-test data analysis.

• Be hands on in hardware testing for validation of processes, instrumentation, and materials and components chosen for in house developments

Fundamental Requirements

• Solid understanding of thermal engineering principles in the context of spacecraft systems.

• Hands-on experience with thermal simulation tools such as Systema, Thermal Desktop, ESATAN, or equivalent.

• Familiarity with ECSS standards related to thermal control and analysis.

• Proficiency in a programming or scripting language (Python or MATLAB) for thermal analysis, automation, or data post-processing.

• Experience with environmental and lab testing (TVAC, thermal cycling, AIT process validation).

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, iterative development environment.

• 3+ years of experience in spacecraft thermal engineering or related fields.

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience designing or testing spacecraft thermal systems.

• Background in thermal management of PCBs or high-power electronics (especially in vacuum environments).

• Exposure to multidisciplinary space system development or mission analysis.

Why NewOrbit Space?

• Pioneering Space Technology– You'll contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space. Your work on our revolutionary air-breathing ion propulsion system will redefine satellite operations in ultra-low Earth orbits.

• Unmatched Ownership and Impact–You'll experience a level of ownership that's rare in the space industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology.

• Equity and Competitive Salary– You'll receive not just a competitive salary but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the technology you help build, ensuring you're a part of our collective success.

• Comprehensive Benefits Package–Including private health insurance with dental and optical coverage, annual healthcare check-ups etc.

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