Thermal Engineer

Orbex are looking for aThermal Engineerto join the team to conduct thermal analysis for the Orbex Prime Launch vehicle. You will ideally have with experience of Launch vehicles, Thermal Desktop and/or Cryogenic Systems.

We are open to considering Qualified Graduates and Junior Engineers for this position.

Orbex

Orbex is a leading micro-launch company with our Prime and Proxima launch vehicles being prepared to launch from Scotland. We are well placed to be one of the first operational micro-launch companies in Europe with over €158m/£133m of project financing secured, a number of customers signed up, launch licence application submitted, and backing from organisations including UKSA and ESA.

We are a rapidly growing company with staff located between our production and test facilities in Forres, Scotland and Copenhagen, Denmark. Working on cutting edge advances in rocket fuel technology, Prime's carbon footprint is up to 96% lower than comparable vehicles, leading to innovations in propulsion and tank structures. A state-of-the-art re-flight system means we can recover and reuse our technology, and innovations in separation mechanisms mean we leave no debris on orbit.

Having developed in-house production capability, we can 3D print complex engines, produce full-scale carbon composite fuel tanks, and have avionics and software testing labs in both Scotland and Denmark.

Based in Forres, you will be right in the heart of this fast-paced cutting-edge company, gaining a unique insight into what it takes to build a new launch vehicle for a buoyant commercial market.

Orbex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is working towards a more diverse workforce in the aerospace
industry.

The Position
Responsibilities of the role will include but are not limited to:

• Develop thermal models for the prediction of launch vehicle and subsystem environments.
• Design, development, specification, manufacturing and testing of launch vehicle thermal management elements.
• Delivery of thermal testing, including development of thermal test specifications, thermal test design, supervision, and delivery

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant Engineering or Scientific discipline
• 3-5 years' experience in thermal engineering and analysis

Preferred skills and experience

• Master's degree in an engineering discipline
• Experience with common analytical tools such as Thermal Desktop, ESATAN and Thermica
• Knowledge of spacecraft and launch vehicle thermal environments in both orbital and atmospheric conditions
• Good report writing and written/verbal communication skills
• Strong analytical skills
• Experience with thermal testing and model correlation both in air and in vacuum
• Experience with common spacecraft thermal engineering elements such as thermo-optic finishes, MLI, heaters and phase change materials.

Desirable

• Experience with thermal modelling of cryogenic systems and fluid network elements, including valves and piping
• Skills in MATLAB, Visual Basic and/or Python to produce thermal engineering and analytical tools
• Thermal ablation modelling, experience of thermal protection and other high-temperature environmental management elements
• Familiarity with industry standards such as ECSS-E-ST-31, ECSS-E-ST-10-03, NASA GEVS (GSTC-STD-7000), MIL-STD-810, RTCA-DO-160
• Experience in thermal modelling of electronic units such as avionics

Personality

• Orbex is a high-paced, startup culture where you will be encouraged to take assume responsibility for tasks and see them through.
• It is imperative that you take initiative, communicate openly and can collaborate with technical and non-technical team members.
• You must be able to thrive in an international, diverse and multicultural environment.

Location - Forres

Our roles need to be on-site in Scotland due to the nature of the position, export controls and security. This role is based in Forres at Orbex's headquarters.
Orbex Forres is located at the foot of the Scottish Highlands, near Inverness. It's close to the spectacular coastline, wild beaches, and amazing wildlife of the Moray Firth, as well as being a short distance from the world-famous Loch Ness, and Aviemore ski resort.
If you enjoy adventurous outdoor pursuits in extraordinary natural environments, the coast and highlands around Forres offer an ideal location.
Mountaineering, rock climbing, abseiling, hiking, mountain biking, cycling, camping, sailing, surfing, motorbiking, and skiing are all within easy reach of our main UK factory, and many members of our team participate in adventure sports in the vast, beautiful settings of the Highlands.
If you enjoy drone flying, wildlife or landscape photography, some of the most spectacular vistas in the world are directly at your doorstep.

Security

You must be a UK or European citizen or from a country that is a signatory to the MTCR convention. You may be required to undergo a UK BPSS check which includes a criminal record check.

Benefits

• For experienced engineers, a salary of £40-50k depending on experience, for graduate candidates our starting salary is £32,200
• 34 days paid holiday including bank and public holidays
• NEST workplace pension
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme, including: mortgage advice, health and wellbeing apps.
• Group Life Insurance, x4 annual salary
• Independent supporting services including: mortgage advice and health and wellbeing apps
• Orbex are able to sponsor visas for you and your family and provide comprehensive relocation assistance, this includes 1 month of accommodation in the local area paid for by the company, a relocation allowance and full support through the visa application process.