ETH Zurich | Space: Join Our Team as a Thermal Engineer
ETH Zurich | Space is dedicated to advancing space activities both within our institution and in collaboration with external stakeholders. Our mission is to position ETH Zurich as Europe’s leading institution in space research and education, while also being recognized as a premier partner for space-related projects within Switzerland and globally. Founded in 2022 and under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen since 2023, we are committed to driving technological advancements, shaping future policies, and inspiring the next generation of space scientists and engineers.
This position is offered as a fixed-term appointment for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of extension.
The objective of this initiative is to establish and grow a centralized pool of space engineering expertise within ETH Zurich | Space. This pool will support ETH Zurich–led space projects and technology programs, strengthening ETH Zurich’s role as a key contributor to the Swiss and international space ecosystem.
In part, this role will contribute to LunarLeaper, an ETH Zurich–led mission concept exploring innovative mobility strategies for the lunar surface. LunarLeaper provides a challenging environment for advancing thermal control of mobile robotic systems under extreme and time-varying conditions.
As a Thermal Engineer, you will be responsible for the thermal design, analysis, and modeling, as well as validation and verification of spaceborne platforms, including robotic platforms used in space flight missions and operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement thermal designs for spacecraft systems, including robotic platforms.
- Perform thermal analyses, including transient and steady-state modeling using industry-standard software (e.g., Systema-Thermica, SINDA/FLUINT, Ansys, Thermal Desktop, ESATAN-TMS).
- Define and supervise thermal testing campaigns, including thermal vacuum (TVAC), thermal balance (TV/TB), and hardware verification tests.
- Develop and maintain thermal models of spaceborne platforms or thermal control technologies, correlating with test data for validation.
- Establish thermal control hardware requirements, such as radiators, heat pipes, thermal switches, heaters, insulation, and coatings.
- Work closely with mechanical, systems, and payload engineers to ensure integrated spacecraft thermal management and compliance.
- Define and manage thermal interface requirements and constraints across subsystems.
- Perform trade studies balancing performance, reliability, mass, and power budgets for active and passive thermal solutions.
- Support test data reduction, validation of models, and correlation with flight hardware behavior.
- Collaborate with manufacturing and operations to support development, integration, test, launch, and on-orbit commissioning.
- Provide on-orbit or mission support, including anomaly resolution and telemetry evaluation.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of professional experience in sub-systems, spacecraft, or planetary thermal engineering, including thermal design and analysis.
- In-depth understanding of space thermal engineering principles and requirements for space systems.
- Proficiency in thermal analysis tools such as Thermal Desktop, ESATAN-TMS, Systema-Thermica, or similar software.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a hands-on engineering mindset.
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.
- Familiarity with state-of-the-art thermal technologies and approaches for spaceflight.
We also encourage candidates who do not completely fulfill the mentioned skills to apply.
Preferred Characteristics
- Experience with robotic subsystems, particularly mechanisms, actuators, and sensors.
- Skills in mechanical engineering or structural analysis.
- Familiarity with ECSS standards and related spacecraft thermal and mechanical design practices.
- Hands-on experience with thermal hardware prototyping, assembly, integration, and testing.
- Demonstrated experience in spacecraft thermal testing campaigns.
What We Offer
- A dynamic, international, and interdisciplinary work environment at one of the world’s leading technical universities.
- A motivated team sharing a passion for space and innovation.
- The opportunity to contribute to space missions from early concept to flight.
We look forward to receiving your application by Sun. 29 March 2026. Apply online using the form below.
Please note: Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
For further information, please visit our website. Inquiries regarding the position can be directed to Florian Kehl (florian.kehl@eaps.ethz.ch). Applications via email or postal service will not be considered.