CAD Design Engineer -Thermal Control System

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 are looking for a CAD Design Engineer - Thermal Control System (TCS) who will support the design and integration of the spacecraft TCS, while also actively contributing to spacecraft structure development activities.

The role spans preliminary design to detailed definition, with a strong emphasis on TCS - structure integration, overall vehicle architecture coherence, and complex piping design.

🛠️ Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the CAD design of the Thermal Control System (TCS) using Siemens NX, covering both passive and active thermal control elements.

• Lead and support the CAD definition of TCS piping and fluid loops, including routing, interfaces, supports, and clearances.

• Support the CAD design and maturation of primary and secondary spacecraft structures, in close interaction with TCS needs and constraints.

• Contribute to the definition and maturation of the overall vehicle physical architecture, including aeroshape, structure, and subsystem accommodation.

• Iterate and mature CAD models based on thermo-mechanical analysis loops, structural analyses, material trade-offs, and system-level constraints.

• Ensure robust interfaces between TCS, structures, and subsystems (avionics, propulsion, mechanisms, etc.).

• Collaborate closely with thermal and structural analysts, materials and manufacturing engineers to converge on feasible and robust design solutions.

• Maintain the configuration management of CAD models and associated data.

• Contribute to mass estimation and tracking for TCS and structural elements, supported by the CAD models and system databases.

• Participate in co-engineering sessions with system, aerodynamics, GNC, propulsion, avionics, and mission analysis teams to assess feasibility, margins, and integration constraints.

• Define volume allocations, clearances, and interface envelopes for TCS and structural parts.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of CAD methods, design rules, and integration processes.

• Produce technical drawings and documentation, and actively participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR, etc.).

🎓 What We Would Love to See from You

📜 Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering,

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in CAD design for spacecraft structures, spacecraft thermal control systems, or closely related domains,

• Experience with CAD software's such as Siemens NX (preferably),

• Experience in piping modelling and associated manufacturing processes.

• Good understanding of:

  • thermal control principles (active and passive),

  • fluid loops and piping systems,

  • spacecraft structural design principles and thermo‑mechanical constraints.

• Fluent in English. German, French or Italian are an asset.

🛠️ Skills and Behaviors:

• Strong oral and written communication skills,

• Strong analysis and problem-solving skills,

• Strong organising and prioritisation of tasks,

• Positive and flexible attitude to get the job done,

• Demonstrates behaviours consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Vision, Mission, Teamwork, Integrity and Excellence.

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.