Senior Thermal Engineer/MTS

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space (TSX:MDA) is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The MDA Space team of more than 4,000 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that’s been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we’ll take you there.

The Position  

We’re on the hunt for a Senior Thermal Engineer to join our Robotics and Space Operation team at our Brampton, ON office.  

Responsibilities:  

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to develop advanced spacecraft, robotics, and space infrastructure systems for LEO, GEO, Lunar, and planetary environments.  

• Lead the design, development, implementation, verification, and validation of thermal control systems and thermal architectures for complex aerospace programs.  

• Define thermal engineering strategies that balance technical performance, reliability, manufacturability, cost, and schedule objectives.  

• Lead thermal analyses including steady-state, transient, orbital, thermal balance, thermal distortion, and heater sizing assessments.  

• Define technical work packages and provide technical direction to cross-functional teams and thermal engineering specialists supporting complex development programs.  

• Review and interpret customer specifications and requirements and serve as a primary customer technical interface for thermal engineering activities.  

• Participate in project planning, scheduling, business development initiatives, proposal preparation, and engineering cost estimation activities.  

• Serve as the recognized technical authority for thermal engineering across programs, providing expert consultation, technical direction, and independent review of critical engineering decisions.  

• Develop innovative thermal methodologies and technical solutions to complex engineering challenges where established company processes, standards, or industry precedents do not exist.  

• Lead thermal risk identification, assessment, mitigation planning, and resolution activities throughout the program lifecycle.  

• Define and lead thermal verification programs, including thermal vacuum testing, thermal balance testing, model correlation, validation, and certification activities.  

• Lead a team of thermal engineers, coordinating their work, mentor engineers and drive thermal engineering process improvements, standards development, technology roadmaps, and best-practice implementation across programs and products.  


• Experience in a major CAD tool (such as NX, Pro-E, Catia or Solidworks).  

Job Requirements:   

• Interested candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or related field. Master’s degree is preferred.  


• 10+ years of thermal engineering experience in aerospace, spacecraft, robotics, or equivalent.  


• Demonstrated experience acting as a thermal lead, technical authority, or discipline specialist on major aerospace development programs.  


• Ability of working under tight schedule and pressure.  


• Experience in the design of thermal control systems and analysis for spacecraft would be considered an asset.  


• Fluent in thermal analysis tools such as Thermal Desktop, NX Space Systems Thermal, ANSYS Thermal, or equivalent.  

Comments/Special Considerations:  

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

  Benefits Statement:     

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

Equal Opportunity Statement:     

MDA Space is an equal opportunity employer with a strong focus on diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and candidates with respect and dignity. If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruitment process, please let us know.  

The compensation range for this position is $110,000-140,000 annually. The specific compensation offered will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.