The Exploration Company

Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

Munich, Germany full-time Mid Salary not listed
full-time Mid level Technology & IT Curated
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About the role

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 Responsibilities
Lead Thermal Vacuum and Thermal Balance Campaigns
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

Own Thermal Test Verification Strategy
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.

Support Flight Model Integration and AIT
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.

Drive Thermal Test Data Exploitation
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.

What We Are Looking For
Required Experience
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

Skills & Behavior
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 values of Vision, Competence, Integrity and Passion

Why 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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Mid
Technology & IT API integration Digital Marketing Project Management Python Mid level full-time

Likely questions

  1. Tell us about work you have done that is close to the Spacecraft Thermal Engineer role.
  2. How would you approach your first 30 days at The Exploration Company?
  3. Which of API integration, Digital Marketing and Project Management have you used recently, and what did it help you achieve?
  4. Describe a time you solved a problem without waiting to be told exactly what to do.
  5. How do you handle busy days, changing priorities, or pressure at work?

Prepare before the call

  • A recent example that proves your experience with API integration, Digital Marketing and Project Management.
  • One short story with a problem, your action, and the result.
  • Two examples that show the strengths listed on your CV.
  • A clear reason why this role and company interest you.
  • Your availability, preferred work style, and salary expectations.

Ask them

  • What would success look like in the first 90 days?
  • What are the main problems this hire should help solve?
  • How does the team give feedback and measure good work?
  • What does a normal working week look like for this role?
Practice line

I am interested in the Spacecraft Thermal Engineer role because I can bring practical experience in API integration, Digital Marketing and Project Management, learn the team quickly, and contribute to the outcomes The Exploration Company needs from this hire.

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