Spacecraft Thermal Systems Architect (m/f/d)

Transverse role with significant growth opportunity in our Orbital Systems team in Munich. You'll own thermal as a domain across our versatile multi-orbit spacecraft — from system proposals and pre-development through detailed definition, qualification, and flight-data analysis — at both system and subsystem level. As our programs and team scale, you'll build and lead the thermal function: hiring, mentoring, and setting the standards. You don't need to have run a team before, but you should want to, and be ready to grow into it with our support.

You will:

• Implement and analyse associated 2D and 3D thermal models (ESATAN-TMS, Systema, Thermal Desktop or equivalent)
• Coordinate across disciplines and bring a systems vision
• Contribute to MBSE models and ways of working
• Derive and manage thermal requirements
• Support integration and verification activities (TVAC and others) at subsystem and system level

• Several years in spacecraft thermal engineering with a track record of owning thermal at architecture level — typically multiple years as a thermal engineer plus 2+ in a thermal architecture or lead role. We're equally interested in significantly more senior profiles (10+ years in thermal systems architecture) and will level the role and compensation accordingly.
• Motivation and clear trajectory toward technical leadership and team-building; prior line-management experience is a plus, not a prerequisite.
• Strong understanding of underlying physical principles for thermal engineering
• Analysis tools and TVAC testing knowledge
• Knowledge of Systems Engineering practices including Requirements Engineering; ECSS
• Passion for creating a new spaceflight paradigm (space logistics & orbital refuelling)
• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Accountable with an agile mindset
• Nice to have:
  • Experience with shaping technology roadmaps and their implementation

• Immediate and flexible start
• Permanent full-time position (40 h/week)
• 30 days annual vacation and flexible working hours
• Competitive compensation benchmarked to the European space sector and set according to your seniority
• Bike leasing, EGYM Wellpass and subsidy for the Deutschlandticket
• Complimentary beverages, company events, and professional development opportunities