Principal Thermal Analyst

MDA Space (TSX : MDA) is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry, creating the space between the proven and the possible. As a pioneer in robotics, satellite systems and geospatial intelligence, with a 55-year history of world firsts and over 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space infrastructure and exploration.

With a team of more than 4,000 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK, MDA Space has the knowledge and know-how to turn a client's bold vision into a realizable mission, through a unique combination of experience, technical excellence and a sense of wonder that has been part of our DNA since day one.

We are looking for a Principal Thermal Analyst to join our Satellite Systems team at our Montreal office. Our team has successfully contributed to hundreds of missions over the past 60 years. We are a dream team of passionate, collaborative, and driven individuals, and we are constantly looking for others to join #TeamMDA to drive new and innovative approaches to problem-solving that push us to improve life on and above Earth.

Role: Within a multidisciplinary engineering team, the thermal analyst contributes to the development of state-of-the-art satellites and subsystems by developing thermal concepts, performing analyses, and planning qualification tests, thereby ensuring products meet their thermal requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Select appropriate thermal protections as well as active or passive thermal control equipment, surface finishes, and interfaces.
• Perform detailed modeling and simulations.
• Predict temperature distribution and thermal loads in materials/equipment at various stages of product life: launch, orbital transition, and in-orbit operation.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate thermal systems into satellite design.
• Recommend the best mechanical design based on the evaluation of thermal behavior and space material characteristics.
• Plan thermal environment tests to qualify new thermal concepts or validate equipment design.
• Ensure that hardware is safe and functional in the required thermal environments.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations to support design reviews and client interactions.
• Supervise junior thermal analysts as needed.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, best practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Supervise and review the thermal aspects of subcontracted systems.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or equivalent, required at a minimum.
• At least 10 years of experience in thermal analysis and the creation of thermal mathematical models (TMM), preferably with Nx/"Space Systems Thermal" (or "TMG").
• Knowledge of thermal issues and solutions specific to electronic equipment.
• Proven experience in delivering thermal concepts for satellites or space subsystems.
• Knowledge and understanding of space environments; experience in the space industry is a major asset.
• Ability to identify key design issues and prioritize them accordingly.
• Ability to collaborate with specialists from other disciplines, notably system specialists, to identify the best overall concepts.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in parallel.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Ability to express oneself orally and in writing in French and English (Contact with clients outside Quebec).

Desirable Skills:

• Multitasking ability.
• Ability to identify key problems in a design, prioritize them & solve them accordingly.
• Knowledge of electronic packaging.
• Experience in thermal testing.
• Bilingualism.
• Experience in the space industry and understanding of electrical requirements are assets.

Special Considerations:

• Successful candidates must obtain and hold a reliability status security clearance and pass the security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.

Benefits Statement:

MDA offers competitive compensation and benefits to employees across all its locations. As a member of the MDA team, you and your eligible dependents can enroll in an employee benefits package that provides a comprehensive level of protection through competitive healthcare, including: supplemental health plans and flexible drug plans, dental and vision care benefits, income protection in the event of disability, life insurance, group retirement savings plans, and an employee and family assistance program.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

MDA Ltd. is proud to provide accommodation during the recruitment process. If you wish to avail yourself of such accommodation, please indicate so in your application or cover letter, and we will collaborate with you to meet your accessibility needs.