Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer - Studentjob.ch

Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

ETH Zurich | Space is dedicated to advancing space activities within ETH and in collaboration with external stakeholders. Our mission is to position ETH Zurich as Europe’s leading institution in space research and education while remaining a premier partner for space‑related projects in Switzerland and globally. This position is offered as a fixed‑term appointment for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of extension.

The initiative aims to establish a centralized pool of space engineering expertise to support ETH Zurich–led space projects and technology programs. The role will contribute to the Lunar Leaper mission concept, which explores innovative mobility strategies for the lunar surface, and support a broad range of ongoing and future ETH Zurich space missions across diverse thermal environments—from LEO to deep space and from Cube Sats to large space observatories.

As a Thermal Engineer you will be responsible for the thermal design, analysis, modelling, and validation & verification of spaceborne platforms, including robotic platforms used in flight missions and operations. You will work closely with scientists, engineers, system architects, and mission teams to ensure robust and reliable thermal control that enables systems to operate effectively under extreme temperature conditions.

• Develop and implement thermal designs for spacecraft systems, including robotic platforms.
• Perform thermal analyses, including transient and steady‑state modelling using industry‑standard software (e.g., Systema‑Thermica, SINDA/FLUINT, Ansys, Thermal Desktop, ESATAN‑TMS).
• Define and supervise thermal testing campaigns (thermal vacuum, Thermal Balance, and hardware verification tests).
• Develop and maintain thermal models of spaceborne platforms or thermal control technologies, correlating with test data for validation.
• Establish thermal control hardware requirements such as radiators, heat pipes, thermal switches, heaters, insulation, and coatings.
• Collaborate with mechanical, systems, and payload engineers to ensure integrated spacecraft thermal management and compliance.
• Define and manage thermal interface requirements and constraints across subsystems.
• Perform trade studies balancing performance, reliability, mass, and power budgets for active and passive thermal solutions.
• Support test data reduction, model validation, and correlation with flight hardware behaviour.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and operations to support development, integration, test, launch, and on‑orbit commissioning.
• Provide on‑orbit or mission support, including anomaly resolution and telemetry evaluation.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of professional experience in thermal engineering for spacecraft or planetary missions.
• In‑depth understanding of space thermal engineering principles and requirements.
• Proficiency in thermal analysis tools such as Thermal Desktop, ESATAN‑TMS, Systema‑Thermica, or equivalent.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and hands‑on engineering mindset.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.
• Familiarity with state‑of‑the‑art thermal technologies and approaches for spaceflight.

• Experience with robotic subsystems (mechanisms, actuators, sensors) and their thermal challenges.
• Mechanical or structural analysis experience, including launch and thermo‑mechanical coupling.
• Familiarity with ECSS standards and related spacecraft design practices.
• Hands‑on experience with thermal hardware prototyping, assembly, integration, and testing.
• Demonstrated experience in spacecraft thermal testing campaigns.

• A dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary work environment at one of the world’s leading technical universities.
• A motivated team sharing a passion for space and innovation.
• The opportunity to contribute to space missions from early concept to flight.

Please submit the following through our online application portal:

• CV
• Job references (if available) and diplomas
• A short video (max. 90 sec) about yourself and your motivation for this position. A simple smartphone recording is sufficient. Upload the video to a platform of your choice and include the link in your CV or in the comment field of the online application.

ETH Zurich values diversity and sustainability. We promote equality of opportunity, respect the rights and dignity of all our staff and students, and work towards a climate‑neutral future.

Applications are accepted until Sun. 29. March 2026
.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Florian Kehl via the online contact form (no applications will be accepted by email or postal services).