Thermal Engineer

Role Summary

This is an exhilarating opportunity to join a rapidly growing space company and contribute to pioneering, cutting-edge propulsion technology unmatched anywhere in the world. As a vital member of our team, you will play a crucial role in launching the world's first air-breathing ion propulsion system into orbit. Your personal responsibility will include design and implement the thermal control system of our spacecraft and air-breathing propulsion system.

This is more than a job – it's a chance to write your name in one of the most important spacecraft missions in space technology, which will unlock currently inaccessible ultra-low orbits for satellites and become the world's first in-situ resource utilisation in the history of spaceflight.

About NewOrbit

NewOrbit is developing the first hybrid of an aircraft and a satellite using Air-breathing Electric Propulsion (ABEP). While aircraft operate at altitudes of up to 20km and conventional satellites above 450km, there exists no technology which can consistently operate at altitudes between 20 km and 450 km. NewOrbit addresses this by developing the first satellite capable of bridging this gap.

At NewOrbit, we have developed a revolutionary air-breathing ion propulsion system that allows satellites to operate in ultra-low Earth orbits of 180km, three times lower than the current lowest operational altitude of the satellites. This unique technology enables us to access and explore a layer of the atmosphere previously deemed inoperable.

Operating much closer to the Earth's surface offers significant improvements in observation and connectivity. This proximity allows for much better resolution in satellite imaging, enabling new applications in high-precision environmental monitoring and wildfire prevention. It also opens possibilities for global direct-to-phone satellite internet coverage, among other game-changing applications, at self-cleaning altitudes free of space debris.

Please note that it’s not a usual 9-5 job, but that we are an early stage start-up, which requires a lot of passion and dedication for space technology.

Your Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic, creative, and hard-working expert who has solved challenging heat dissipation problems for satellites. You will work alongside our mechanical and electronics engineers to ensure the stable operation of our satellite and engine, with temperatures exceeding 300°C. You should be capable of delivering a thermal control system from scratch and taking full ownership of it, ensuring the success of our mission.

Who we're looking for

• Understanding of the fundamentals (theory and practice) of thermal control design for satellites.

• You will perform steady-state and transient thermal analysis of spacecraft thermal systems and track system performance during ground operations, TVAC testing, launch, and Earth orbit.

• You will advise hardware development teams on design decisions. You need to have an excellent understanding of materials, thermal properties, and the main approaches for thermal dissipation. Perform trade studies related to the selection of materials and subsystem hardware.

• Provide thermal engineering leadership and support for developing thermal vacuum (TVAC) test procedures, scripts, and installation designs.

• Drive the development of thermal systems, including system architecture definition, thermal system modeling, component sizing, and design.

• You should be proficient in FEM analysis tools (e.g., Ansys) and have experience with programming languages.

• The role includes a hardware-based element and therefore requires extensive experience using lab equipment.

• As a member of an early-stage startup, you will be expected to actively participate in the daily operation, growth, and R&D planning of the company.

Additional Requirements:

• Experience with Thermal Desktop

• Experience with ESATAN-TMS

• Experience with SINDA/FLUINT

• Experience with Thermal Balance Testing

• Experience with Conductive Heat Transfer Analysis 

• Experience with Thermal Soak Testing

Why NewOrbit

Pioneering Space Technology Join NewOrbit and contribute to launching groundbreaking technology into space next year. Your work on our revolutionary air-breathing ion propulsion system will redefine satellite operations in ultra-low Earth orbits.

Historical Milestone in Space Exploration Be part of a historic space mission that will leave a lasting legacy in space exploration. Your efforts at NewOrbit will play a crucial role in this pioneering satellite mission, setting new benchmarks in earth observation and global connectivity.

Unmatched Ownership and Impact At NewOrbit, you'll experience a level of ownership that's rare in the industry. You will participate in the full lifecycle of satellite technology development and face diverse challenges in preparing our propulsion for space.

Equity and Competitive Salary NewOrbit offers not just competitive salaries but also company ownership stakes. Your dedication and hard work are rewarded with a share in the pioneering technology you help build, ensuring you're a part of our collective success.