Propulsion Thermal Engineer

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.

We want you as a talented Propulsion Thermal Engineer to support the design, analysis, and validation of thermal behavior within Nyx Earth propulsion system.

The role focuses on evaluating heat transfer phenomena associated with thruster operation, including heat soak back effects and thermal interactions between closely integrated propulsion components.

Key Responsibilities

In your capacity as Propulsion Thermal Engineer, your role will be continuously evolving, but day to day your duties will include:

• Thermal analysis of thruster interaction with the system

  • Perform detailed thermal analyses of spacecraft thrusters during steady-state and transient phases.

  • Assess and justify transient heat soak back effects following thruster shutdown, including impact on surrounding structures and components.

  • Develop thermal models to predict temperature evolution in propulsion subsystem.

  • Support and propose design decisions to mitigate adverse thermal interactions.

• Modeling & Simulation

  • Build and correlate thermal mathematical models (Thermal Desktop, ...).

  • Conduct transient and steady-state simulations.

  • Perform sensitivity analyses and trade-offs.

• Verification & Validation

  • Support thermal test campaigns (component and system level).

  • Correlate analytical models with test data.

• Documentation & Reviews

  • Produce technical reports to support design reviews (CDR, QR).

  • Interface with propulsion, mechanical, and system engineering teams.

What we would love to see from you

• Master’s degree or PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with specialization in thermal sciences.

• Experience with propulsion system thermal justification

• Strong understanding of:

  • Heat transfer (conduction, radiation, convection where applicable)

  • Transient thermal behavior

  • High-temperature material behavior

• Experience with thermal analysis tools (Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT).

• Programming/scripting skills (Python, MATLAB) for automation.

• Knowledge of spacecraft propulsion systems

• Familiarity with ECSS or NASA thermal standards.

• Experience in spacecraft development lifecycle.

• Cross-disciplinary collaboration

• Technical reporting and communication

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.