Principal Thermal Analyst

Job Description

MDA Space (TSX: MDA) is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry, creating the space between what is proven and what is possible. As a pioneer in robotics, space systems and geospatial intelligence, with a 55‑year history of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth observation and space, as well as space infrastructure and exploration. The MDA Space team, with over 4,000 space experts across Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, has the knowledge and expertise to turn a client's bold vision into a achievable mission through a unique combination of experience, technical excellence and wonder that has been part of our DNA from day one.

Are you ready to take the next step in your career in the new space economy? We would love to hear from you!

We are seeking a Principal Thermal Analyst to join our space systems team at our Montreal office.

As the leading independent commercial supplier of antennas, payloads and electronics for communications satellites and radars, our team has successfully contributed to hundreds of missions over the past 60 years. Our space systems team continues to grow and evolve both on the ground and in space.

We are a passionate, collaborative and determined team, always looking for new people to join #TeamMDA to bring fresh and innovative approaches to problem solving. If you are excited to expand our presence in space and inspire the next generation, join us.

Role

Within a multidisciplinary engineering team, the thermal analyst contributes to the development of advanced satellites and subsystems by developing thermal concepts, performing analyses and planning qualification tests, ensuring products meet their thermal requirements.

Responsibilities

• Select appropriate thermal protections as well as active or passive thermal control equipment, surface finishes and interfaces.
• Perform detailed modeling and simulations.
• Predict temperature distribution and thermal loads in materials/equipment at various product life stages: launch, orbital transfer and on‑orbit operations.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate thermal systems into satellite designs.
• Recommend optimal mechanical design based on thermal behavior assessments and characteristics of space materials.
• Plan thermal environment tests to qualify new thermal concepts or validate equipment designs.
• Ensure hardware is safe and functional in required thermal environments.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations to support design reviews and client interactions.
• Supervise junior thermal analysts as needed.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee and review thermal aspects of subcontracted systems.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or equivalent, required at minimum.
• At least 10 years of experience in thermal analysis and development of thermal mathematical models (TMM), preferably with Nx/"Space Systems Thermal" (or "TMG").
• Knowledge of thermal issues and solutions specific to electronic equipment.
• Proven experience delivering thermal concepts for satellites or space subsystems.
• Knowledge and understanding of space environments; experience in the space industry is a major asset.
• Ability to identify key concept issues and prioritize them accordingly.
• Aptitude to collaborate with specialists in other disciplines, including systems specialists, to identify the best overall concepts.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in parallel and work under tight deadlines.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing in both French and English (client contact outside Québec).

Desired Skills

• Multitasking ability.
• Ability to identify key design problems, prioritize them and resolve accordingly.
• Experience with thermal testing.
• Knowledge of electronic packaging.
• Bilingualism.
• Experience in the space industry and understanding of electrical requirements are assets.

Special Considerations

Selected candidates must obtain and hold a security clearance at the reliability rating level and pass the security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.

Benefits

MDA offers competitive compensation and benefits. As a member of the MDA team, you and your eligible dependents can enroll in a benefits plan providing comprehensive protection, including supplemental health plans and flexible drug coverage, dental and vision benefits, income protection for disability, life insurance, group retirement savings plans and an employee and family assistance program.

Equal Opportunity Statement

MDA Ltd. is proud to provide accommodation during the recruitment process. If you wish to request such accommodations, please indicate this in your cover letter and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.