Thermal Engineer [In-Orbit Cryo Systems]

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run.

Our Future Projects unit is dedicated to expanding and complementing these capabilities by conceptualizing and pre-developing new technologies, products and programs.

We are currently looking for a Thermal Engineer to play a key role in the definition and assessment of thermal architectures and interfaces for an in-orbit cryogenic refueling system.

As a Thermal Engineer, you will contribute to the early-phase thermal design, trade-offs and validation approach of cryogenic subsystems and interfaces operating in space. You will work closely with the System Engineer, Cryogenic Systems Engineer and Mechanical / Design Engineer, as well as other cross-functional specialists (MAIT, CAD), to ensure thermal feasibility, robustness and compatibility at system and subsystem level.

You will contribute directly to Phase 0/A and Phase B1 activities, including thermal architecture definition, interface assessments, trade studies and early test preparation.

You will be part of the Future Systems team, reporting to the Lead Cryogenic Refueling, and working closely with other engineering disciplines.

Key Responsibilities

Thermal Architecture & Requirements

• Contribute to the definition of thermal concepts and architectures for cryogenic subsystems and interfaces.

• Support the definition of thermal requirements and contribute to system requirement flow-down.

• Participate in thermal trade-offs (e.g. passive vs active control, insulation concepts, thermal interfaces).

• Support the definition of operational thermal constraints and assumptions.

Thermal Analysis & Modelling

• Perform or support preliminary thermal analyses at system and subsystem level.

• Assess thermal losses, heat ingress and thermal interfaces impacting cryogenic performance.

• Contribute to the evaluation of thermal behavior under space and cryogenic conditions.

• Work in coordination with system, cryogenic and mechanical engineers for coupled thermo-mechanical and thermo-fluid assessments.

Interfaces & Integration

• Contribute to the definition and maintenance of thermal interface control documents (ICDs).

• Ensure consistency of thermal interfaces with mechanical, cryogenic and system-level constraints.

• Support integration aspects, including thermal boundaries, interfaces and assumptions.

• Provide thermal inputs to prototyping, breadboarding and early test planning.

Reviews & Design Maturity

• Contribute to the preparation of thermal documentation and technical justifications.

• Participate in technical reviews, commensurate with experience level.

• Support early identification and mitigation of thermal risks and uncertainties.

What We Would Love to See From You

• A Master’s degree in Thermal Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience in the space sector, including exposure to early development phases (Phase 0/A/B).

• A solid understanding of thermal engineering principles applied to space systems.

• Experience with thermal analysis tools (e.g. ESATAN, Thermal Desktop, ANSYS, or equivalent).

• Awareness of thermal challenges associated with cryogenic and space environments.

• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, communicate clearly, and progressively take ownership of technical topics.

• Fluency in English.

Desirable

• Familiarity with space engineering standards (ECSS, NASA or equivalent).

• Experience with system engineering practices (requirements, interfaces, V&V).

• Exposure to cryogenic systems or low-temperature applications.

• Knowledge of German, French and/or Italian.

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.