Principal Thermal Analyst

MDA Space (TSX: MDA) is a trusted mission partner for the global space industry that creates the space between what is proven and what is possible. As a pioneer in robotics, satellite 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 and space observation, as well as space infrastructure and exploration. The MDA Space team, which includes more than 4,000 space experts in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom, has the knowledge and know‑how to turn a customer’s bold vision into an achievable mission, thanks to a unique blend of experience, technical excellence and wonder that has been part of our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push the limits on Earth and among the stars to make the world a better place, we’ll take you there.

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

We are looking for a Senior Thermal Analyst to join our satellite systems team at our Montreal office.

As the world’s 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. Drawing on extensive experience across a wide range of solutions delivered to customers worldwide, our satellite systems group continues to grow and evolve both on the ground and in orbit.

We are a dream team made up of passionate, collaborative, and determined people, and we are constantly seeking others to join #TeamMDA to spark fresh, innovative problem‑solving approaches that push us to improve life on and above Earth. If you are excited about expanding our presence in space and want to inspire the next generation, we’ll lead you there.

We have entered a new era of exploration and development, and MDA invites everyone who wants to get involved and be part of it. As an equal‑opportunity employer that values diversity, integrity and collaboration, we are committed to strengthening MDA’s and Canada’s leadership status in this new chapter.

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

Responsibilities

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

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering, or an equivalent field, required at a minimum.
• At least 10 years of experience in thermal analysis and creation 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.
• Understanding of space environments; space‑industry experience is a major asset.
• Ability to identify key concept issues and prioritize them accordingly.
• Ability to collaborate with specialists from other disciplines, especially systems engineers, to identify the best overall concepts.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in parallel.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Strong oral and written communication skills in both French and English (client contact outside Quebec).

Desired Skills

• Multitasking ability.
  Ability to spot key design problems, prioritize them and resolve them accordingly.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines.
  Knowledge of electronic packaging.
• Experience with thermal testing.
• Space‑industry experience and understanding of electrical requirements are assets.
  #LI-DM1 # SP

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 Statement
MDA offers competitive compensation and benefits to its employees at all locations. As a member of the MDA team, you and your eligible dependents can enroll in a benefits program that provides comprehensive protection through competitive health‑care coverage, including supplemental health plans, flexible prescription‑drug plans, dental and vision benefits, disability income protection, life insurance, collective retirement‑savings plans, and an employee‑and‑family assistance program.

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