Thermal Engineer

Space Forge is a fast growing advanced materials company. Our goal is to exploit the extreme temperature, microgravity and ultra-high vacuum conditions available in low earth orbit (LEO) to manufacture materials that cannot readily be grown terrestrially. Returning these materials to earth, we aim to revolutionise the semiconductor market and to make space work for humanity. To achieve this we have developed a range of technologies including the world’s first returnable and reusable satellite platform, the ForgeStar®.

Ultimately we are looking for someone to join the Thermo-Mechanical team to support our service, both on ground and in orbit, to achieve our goal of transforming return from space for the benefit of humanity.

What will you do?

• Support design of thermal control management solutions to ensure operation of satellite hardware within temperature limits;
• Thermal modelling of satellite hardware throughout each mission phase from Launch to Landing.
• Work with our other thermal engineers, ensuring conformity across analyses of different subsystems;
• Assist with our testing campaigns to qualify our space hardware.

Key responsibilities

• Creation and review of thermal simulation models.
• Documentation of thermal simulation studies.
• Thermal management requirements capture.
• Interfacing with system engineers, subsystem functional leads, and third party suppliers to ensure thermal design compatibility with mass, power and configuration constraints and dependencies.
• Identification of suitable thermal management hardware and support its implementation in the satellite configuration.
• Presentation of thermal analyses and designs to internal and external stakeholders.
• Prepare procedures and specifications for thermal vacuum testing.
• Interfacing with Electronics and Software teams for identification, definition and implementation of platform thermal sensors for both test and operation phases.
• Support and monitoring during thermal vacuum testing and satellite operation.

Requirements

Technical skills:

Essential –

• Familiarity with thermal management hardware and experience in its design.
• Knowledge of thermal dynamics, conductive and radiative heat transfer.
• Experience using industry-standard thermal analysis software.
• Able to communicate with teams working both in and out of the office.
• Resilient and adaptable to technical and non-technical roadblocks.

Desirable –

• Familiarity with Siemens Simcenter Space Systems Thermal.
• Experience in thermal design and analysis for low orbit satellite applications.
• Experience in rapid concept development in collaboration with a broad engineering team.
• Experience with supporting thermal vacuum testing.
• Able to communicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders.

Soft skills:

We are looking for people who are willing to work hard, think logically, have high energy levels, respect others’ abilities and ultimately have an unending appetite to learn a large number of new skills quickly. Space Forge is committed to making super-powered teams of diverse individuals in all senses of the term, therefore women are strongly encouraged to apply and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Benefits

Why Space Forge?

Salary range: £33,000 – £55,000 per annum, depending on knowledge, experience and skills

We believe in a future where our most polluting industries are moved off the planet, built for sustainability, and returned back to Earth for the benefit of all. Space is the next step for our manufacturing needs.

At Space Forge, we believe in creating the best possible workplace that suits every single person that joins us.

• Flexitime hours – 40 to be worked across Monday-Sunday as fits both your needs and the needs of the role
• 33 days holiday including bank holidays
• Pension scheme at 4% matched
• Charity or cause you’re passionate about? Up to 5 volunteering days a year to support the things closest to you and make an impact
• Super cool office and factory – the coffee is on us (and it’s certified carbon neutral too, our snazzy machine does anything from the humble americano to a superb flat white)
• Pizza pay day – okay, it’s not always pizza, but if you’re at the office on pay day, lunch is on us
• We’re changing the way humanity builds, we think that’s exciting, and we want you to be excited about it too. That’s why we have an Employee Share Option Plan (ESOP) so you can own part of our journey
• You’re the master of your own destiny. We offer every person at Space Forge a £1500 annual learning budget so you can choose the training or experiences to help you grow
• Your mental health is important! You’ll have access to Spill – an all-in-one mental health support platform offering completely anonymous therapy sessions to our whole team

• Working with a passionate, friendly and highly motivated team
• Maternity / Paternity benefits beyond statutory

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace and that starts with hiring diversely. However you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Space Forge.

If there are any adjustments that would help improve your experience with Space Forge, please do let us know when you apply.

CLOSING DATE: This application will close on 14th June 2024, we will then be in touch with all applicants to let them know the progress of their application.