Thermal Engineer
Job description
Thermal Engineer responsible for delivering the spacecraft thermal control system for NewOrbit's very low Earth orbit satellites, from analysis through testing and in-orbit operation. The role works cross-functionally with mechanical, propulsion, electronics and mission planning teams.
At a glance
- Work mode
- Hybrid · 4 days/week in office · Reading, United Kingdom
What you'll do
- 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
- Identify and manage worst-case scenarios in extreme thermal conditions (both hot and cold), accounting for on-orbit environmental factors and internal power dissipation
- Design and implement thermal control solutions such as multilayer insulation (MLI), radiators, heaters, thermo-optical coatings, thermistors, and thermal straps
- 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
What we're looking for
- 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
- Experience with environmental and lab testing (TVAC, thermal cycling, AIT process validation)
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, iterative development environment
Nice to have
- Experience designing or testing spacecraft thermal systems
- Exposure to multidisciplinary space system development or mission analysis
Benefits
- Equity and competitive salary - company ownership stake alongside a competitive salary
- Private health insurance with dental and optical cover, and annual health check-ups
- Hybrid working - one dedicated remote day per week
- Visa sponsorship and relocation support
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About NewOrbit
NewOrbit builds satellites that fly in very low Earth orbit, below 300 km, along with the electric propulsion that keeps them there.
NewOrbit builds satellites that fly in very low Earth orbit, below 300 km, along with the electric propulsion that keeps them there. Flying closer to Earth means sharper imagery from smaller optics, and an orbit that cleans itself: our satellites de-orbit within a month at end of life, leaving no debris. Our AURA family of RF gridded ion thrusters powers our own NEO-1 satellite, with first flight planned for Q3 2028, and is also offered to other operators.
Key facts
- Space technology
- AURA family of RF gridded ion thrusters powers the NEO-1 satellite
- NEO-1 first flight planned for Q3 2028
- Satellites fly below 300 km and de-orbit within a month at end of life