Thermal Design Engineer

At Kepler Communications, we’re not just imagining the future of connectivity — we’re leading it!

Our mission is to provide real‑time Internet access in space, enabling a new era of data‑driven exploration and innovation. With 23 satellites already launched and a next‑generation optical network on the way, we’re creating the infrastructure that will power the space economy for decades to come.

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 invest heavily to deliver the best products to our customers, and we’re on the hunt for top‑tier Thermal Design Engineer. Your focus will be on development and test of the spacecraft thermal management systems. Specifically, you will be working at the top spacecraft design level to ensure heat loads from subsystems are managed and equipment operating conditions are maintained. You will also be involved with other hardware related to our space‑based communications payloads, ground‑based assets, and support equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design heatsinking and thermal control methods for satellite systems.
• Work with the mission planners to define orbital thermal boundary conditions.
• Work closely within the Integrated Product Team consisting of other cross‑functional engineers (RF, hardware, systems, etc.) to develop full product solutions.
• Identify requirement verification methods and establish plans to mitigate technical risks through FEA, test, etc.
• Support designs through CAD modeling and FEA analysis, with a focus on thermal behaviour in various environments.
• Generate documentation required to substantiate designed solutions.
• Generate drawings to communicate design intent to manufacturing partners and internal AIT team.
• Build prototypes and test to identify key areas for improvement.
• Move solutions from development, through qualification and into flight readiness.
• Participate in path‑finding activities for new projects.
• Act as peer reviewer on other active designs.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant mechanical design experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, mechatronics engineering, or equivalent.
• Understanding of design principles for heat transfer, temperature control, statics, and dynamics.
• Experience in verifying designs through Finite Element Analysis and testing.
• Experience with one or more CAD tools (Onshape, Creo, SolidWorks, etc.).
• Understanding of design for manufacturing and assembly practices.
• Strong communication and documentation skills working in a multidisciplinary team.
• Comfortable in an R&D lab environment.
• Comfortable using basic hand and power tools.

Bonus Points

• Knowledge and/or experience in design for space applications.
• Experience using Simcenter 3D, Simcenter/NX NASTRAN, Simcenter 3D Space Systems Thermal, etc.
• Experience in spacecraft/satellite level thermal and structural analysis and qualification.
• Familiarity with ESA ECSS or NASA thermal and structural standards.
• Experience with mechatronic type design and integration.

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.

Use of AI in Recruitment

At Kepler Communications, all hiring decisions are made by people. Human recruiters are involved in every step of our recruitment process. We use AI‑based tools (such as Lever AI and HireEZ) to assist with the initial review of applications by ranking candidates based on job‑relevant criteria. These tools support — but do not replace — human judgment.

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.

Additional Information

We may use artificial intelligence tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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