(Senior) Manager/Engineer, Thermomechanical Payload Engineer, meoSphere (Long Beach, CA, US)

Manager, Thermomechanical Payload Engineering, meoSphere
PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION
meoSphere is SES's next-generation Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite constellation, designed to deliver secure connectivity services to government agencies, enterprises, and commercial customers. It will also provide high-speed broadband internet to eliminate global connectivity dead zones.
To accelerate development timelines, reduce costs, and ensure quality, SES is internalizing a critical segment of the satellite supply chain: the final integration of partner satellite platforms with SES's software-defined payloads, all within a cutting-edge manufacturing and test facility.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
As Thermomechanical Lead Engineer, you will drive the design, analysis, and validation of thermomechanical systems for satellite payloads. Working within an agile hardware development framework, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure payloads meet thermal and structural requirements across all mission phases-from concept to launch and in-orbit operation.
In your first twelve months, you and your team will architect, develop, test, and integrate several high power electronic boxes as well as large space phase array antennas, ensuring its accommodation and thermomechanical compatibility at satellite level. Within two years, your systems will have flown in space, demonstrating cutting-edge thermo-mechanical space designs.
As a Manager, Thermomechanical Payload Engineering, mesosphere, you will be responsible for :

• Thermal & Structural Architecture
• Lead the definition of thermomechanical architecture for satellite payloads, balancing performance, manufacturability, and reliability.
• Translate mission requirements into detailed thermal and structural specifications.
• Agile Development Execution
• Actively participate in iterative design cycles, integrating thermal and mechanical feedback into rapid prototyping and testing loops.
• Collaborate with electronics, systems, and integration teams to co-develop payload solutions in short sprints.
• Simulation & Analysis
• Perform thermal and structural simulations (e.g., FEM, CFD) to validate designs under launch, orbital, and operational conditions.
• Analyze thermal gradients, mechanical stresses, vibration loads, and fatigue life to ensure compliance with mission constraints.
• Testing & Validation
• Define and execute test plans for thermal vacuum, vibration, shock, and mechanical integrity.
• Interpret test results and lead design refinements based on empirical data.
• Material & Component Selection
• Select materials and mechanical components optimized for space environments, considering radiation, outgassing, and thermal cycling.
• Ensure compatibility with payload electronics and overall system integration.
• Documentation & Reviews
• Prepare technical documentation, including design reports, test procedures, and analysis summaries.
• Lead thermomechanical design reviews and contribute to system-level design boards.

COMPETENCIES, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• At least 5 years of proven experience in thermomechanical design for space systems or high-reliability environments.
• Proficiency in thermal and structural simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, COMSOL, SolidWorks ).
• Hands-on experience with environmental testing (TVAC, vibration, shock).
• Familiarity with agile hardware development practices and rapid prototyping.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills in multidisciplinary teams.

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS / COMMENTS

• Eligibility for ESA/EU/NATO/National SECRET personnel security clearances. Candidates must be prepared to undergo a security clearance procedure, as this position may require holding such clearance, is considered an asset.
• Able to travel nationally & internationally

The salary range for this full-time position is $150,000.00 - $190,000.00 + bonus + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on this job posting reflects the target salary for new hires in Torrence, California. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. We understand market salaries can evolve and we are conscious that sometimes these will be open to review.
SES and its Affiliated Companies are committed to providing fair and equal employment opportunities to all. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.
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