SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
The Exploration Company is seeking an experienced Spacecraft Thermal Verification Engineer to lead thermal control system verification activities for the Nyx program. This is a technical leadership role within the Thermal Control System & ECLSS team, reporting to the Principal Thermal Control System Engineer.
You will own end-to-end spacecraft-level thermal test campaigns, including Thermal Vacuum (TVAC) and Thermal Balance testing. Key responsibilities include defining test objectives and success criteria, developing comprehensive test plans and procedures, preparing and leading Test Readiness Reviews and Test Review Boards, and executing thermal test campaigns at spacecraft, subsystem, and component levels. You will drive anomaly investigations and technical decision-making during testing, present campaign status to project leadership, and deliver test reports and verification evidence packages.
You will develop and maintain the thermal test verification strategy, ensuring thermal requirements are properly verified through test, inspection, or demonstration. This includes building verification events, driving closure toward Qualification and Flight Readiness Reviews, and supporting all technical reviews and design reviews. You will ensure TCS verification activities remain aligned with program priorities, schedules, and risks.
During spacecraft assembly and integration, you will work alongside AIT teams to define thermal instrumentation strategies, support hardware installation and verification, troubleshoot thermal systems, and participate in integrated spacecraft functional testing. You will also support leak testing, functional testing, fluid loop commissioning, and system check-outs.
You will analyze thermal test data, assess subsystem and spacecraft performance, identify design improvements and operational recommendations, and ensure lessons learned are captured and disseminated. You will also support pre-test thermal predictions and work with suppliers and external test facilities.
You will collaborate closely with System Engineering, AIT, Test facilities, Program, Avionics, and Propulsion teams. The role requires strong communication skills, analytical problem-solving, task organization, and a positive, flexible attitude.
REQUIREMENTS:
- 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 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 assets
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Strong analysis and problem-solving skills
- Strong task organization and prioritization abilities
