Thermal Engineer

CompanyNewOrbit 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. Electric propulsion is what lets our satellites hold very low orbits, and our AURA RF gridded ion thruster is at the centre of it. Role We are looking for a skilled Thermal Engineer with experience in spacecraft thermal management at both the subsystem and spacecraft level. You’ll work closely with a cross-functional team - including mechanical, propulsion, electronics, and mission planning - to ensure reliable thermal performance of our satellite throughout all mission phases: from launch to operation in orbit and end-of-life. You should be capable of delivering a thermal control system from scratch and taking full ownership of it, ensuring the success of our mission. Key Responsibilities 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 h