Thermal Designer

At Kepler Communications, we're not just imagining the future of on-demand space connectivity - we're leading it!

Our mission is to provide real-time on-orbit connectivity for critical missions, enabling a new era of data-driven intelligence and innovation. With 33 satellites launched to date, Kepler operates the first commercial optical data relay constellation, enabling real-time, continuous space communications while supporting advanced on-orbit compute and hosted payload capabilities.

Industry-leading technology is only part of the story. What sets Kepler apart is our team: bold thinkers, skilled builders, and passionate problem-solvers who thrive on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space. We believe great ideas come from diverse perspectives, and we’re committed to creating an environment where you can grow, lead, and make a global impact. If you’re ready to reach higher, move faster, and do work that shapes the future space economy - this is your launchpad. Come build the future with Kepler! What We Offer: * 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. * We’re a certified Great Place to Work®, five years in a row!

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.

Key Responsibilities:

Thermal Development & Ownership

• 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

Analysis, Verification & Risk Reduction

• 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

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• 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

Engineering Excellence

• 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

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• 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

Bonus Points:

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

Salary Range: $100,622 - 150,622 CAD

Actual total compensation will be determined at the Company’s discretion and is based on a variety of job-related factors, which may include, but are not limited to, relevant knowledge, skills, experience, performance, and education and/or training. The Company encourages all qualified applicants to apply, even if the posted salary range does not align with their expectations, as it does not reflect our total compensation package.
Job Type: This is for a current vacancy

Employment Equity & Accommodation Statement Kepler Communications is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. If you require accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please contact our People & Culture team at accommodation@kepler.space, and we will work with you to meet your needs.