Thermal Designer (Contingent)

Kepler Communications • Toronto, ON

3d • CA$100,622 - CA$150,622 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Thermal Designer to lead the thermal development and verification of spacecraft subsystems. This role combines thermal architecture, thermal analysis, hardware development, testing, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure spacecraft systems operate reliably throughout all mission phases and environmental conditions. The successful candidate will own thermal performance from concept through qualification, working closely with systems, RF, electrical, software, mechanical, manufacturing, AIT, and mission operations teams to develop robust and scalable solutions. The ideal candidate thrives in environments where thermal performance, mass, reliability, manufacturability, schedule, and cost must all be balanced to achieve mission success. They are equally comfortable developing thermal models, designing thermal control solutions, interpreting test data, and solving complex multidisciplinary challenges. This role is an opportunity to directly influence the next generation of Kepler spacecraft while helping establish the engineering practices, technical rigor, and thermal engineering capability that will enable Kepler to become a world leader in spacecraft development and space infrastructure.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or equivalent
• 4+ years of experience developing thermal solutions for complex mechanical, aerospace, or spacecraft systems
• Strong understanding of heat transfer, thermo-optical radiation, thermal control systems, and spacecraft thermal environments
• Experience developing and correlating thermal models using simulation and physical testing
• Experience defining thermal requirements, operating limits, and verification approaches
• Experience with one or more thermal analysis platforms such as Simcenter Space Systems Thermal, Thermal Desktop, or equivalent
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to leverage AI-assisted engineering and development tools to improve productivity, design quality, and innovation while adapting to evolving technologies and best practices
• Experience with CAD platforms such as Onshape, Creo, SolidWorks, NX, or equivalent
• Understanding of design for manufacturing, assembly, integration, and test principles
• Strong communication and documentation skills working within multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Comfortable operating in a hands-on development environment involving prototyping, testing, troubleshooting, and hardware development

Nice To Haves

• Experience developing spacecraft, satellite, aerospace, or other mission-critical hardware
• Experience assessing and managing thermal interfaces between spacecraft platforms and customer payloads
• Experience defining orbital thermal boundary conditions and spacecraft thermal architectures
• Experience with thermal vacuum (TVAC), thermal balance, or environmental qualification testing
• Familiarity with ESA ECSS, NASA, or equivalent aerospace thermal engineering standards
• Experience supporting hardware transition from development into production
• Eligibility for Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) licensure in a Canadian jurisdiction

Responsibilities

• Lead the thermal development of spacecraft subsystems from concept through flight qualification and successful transition into production
• Own subsystem-level thermal development activities including thermal architecture, thermal modeling, thermal control design, verification, testing, and qualification
• Design and evaluate thermal control solutions including conductive, radiative, and passive thermal management approaches
• Define thermal requirements, operating limits, and thermal performance margins throughout the development lifecycle
• Demonstrate compliance with thermal requirements through analysis, testing, and documented margins of safety
• Develop and maintain thermal models used to predict spacecraft and subsystem thermal performance
• Define thermal verification strategies and success criteria aligned with mission requirements
• Establish orbital thermal boundary conditions and environmental assumptions used in thermal analyses
• Plan and execute thermal test campaigns to validate performance and reduce technical risk
• Correlate simulation results with physical testing to continuously improve model fidelity and engineering confidence
• Lead thermal investigations and drive complex technical issues through to resolution
• Work closely with systems, RF, electrical, software, mechanical, manufacturing, supply chain, AIT, and mission operations teams to develop integrated spacecraft solutions
• Facilitate technical discussions regarding thermal performance, design trades, risks, and recommendations
• Coordinate thermal activities across stakeholders to ensure successful integration, verification, and delivery
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of thermal engineering methods, modeling approaches, verification practices, and development workflows
• Act as a peer reviewer, mentor junior engineers, and provide technical leadership within project teams
• Promote a culture of technical rigor, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning

Benefits

• Competitive compensation with a robust equity plan to share in our success.
• Comprehensive coverage for health, dental, and vision insurance—including dependents.
• Unlimited vacation, supportive parental leave policy, and company-wide holiday shutdown.
• Semi-annual company-wide parties and frequent in-office team events.
• Relocation packages available for approved roles.
• $1,500 annual professional development fund to support your growth.
• Fully stocked Toronto office kitchen with snacks, drinks, games and top-notch kitchen appliances.
• Town Halls, Celebration Calls, and Company-wide events to stay connected and engaged.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level