APRIL - Advanced Pixel Research & Intelligence Lab
Website:
azista.space
Job details:
About Us:
Join a team that is redefining the accessibility of space. Azista space is a transformative force in the global aerospace sector, uniquely positioned at the intersection of indigenous innovation and industrial scalability. Operating India’s first private-sector satellite mass-production facility in Ahmedabad, we have bridged the gap between complex engineering and high-volume manufacturing.
As a vertically integrated leader, we provide end-to-end solutions from the precision design of satellite buses and advanced payloads to mission management and communication systems. We don’t just build hardware, we are democratizing the final frontier by providing global clientele with the cost-effective, high-performance technology needed to power the next generation of orbital missions. At Azista, you won't just be starting a job, you’ll be fuelling the future of space exploration.
About the Role:
Azista Space is seeking a highly driven Lead Spacecraft Thermal Engineer to lead the thermal engineering and Thermal Control System (TCS) development for advanced satellite platforms and payloads.
In this role, you will serve as the technical authority for spacecraft thermal architecture, ensuring mission-critical systems operate reliably in the harsh thermal conditions of Low Earth Orbit (LEO). From concept development and thermal modelling to TVAC qualification and in-orbit performance prediction, you will own the complete thermal lifecycle of next-generation space systems.
You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams across Mechanical, Electronics, Structures, and Systems Engineering to solve complex thermal challenges for high-performance spacecraft. This is an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge satellite programs while helping shape the future of scalable space technology in India.
At Azista Space, you won’t just build thermal systems you’ll enable the next generation of accessible, reliable, and globally competitive space missions.
Roles & Responsibilities:
- Lead the end-to-end design and development of spacecraft Thermal Control Systems (TCS) for satellite buses and payloads
- Develop and optimize passive and active thermal solutions including MLI, OSRs, thermal straps, heaters, doublers, and thermoelectric coolers
- Build and maintain high-fidelity Thermal Mathematical Models (TMM) using ESATAN-TMS, Thermal Desktop, or SINDA/FLUINT
- Perform detailed steady-state and transient thermal analysis across hot-case, cold-case, eclipse, and orbital operational scenarios
- Define thermal budgets, heater power allocations, and subsystem temperature margins to ensure mission reliability
- Plan, execute, and support TVAC, thermal balance, thermal cycling, and bakeout qualification campaigns in compliance with ECSS-E-ST-31 standards
- Serve as Thermal Test Conductor during environmental test campaigns and validate thermal model correlation using test data
- Collaborate with Mechanical and EEE teams to optimize thermal interfaces, conductive paths, PCB thermal layouts, and hotspot mitigation strategies
- Review component derating plans and ensure subsystem-level thermal compliance for space-grade hardware
- Generate ECSS-compliant thermal analysis reports, ICDs, qualification documentation, and review materials for PDR/CDR milestones
- Drive proactive thermal risk identification during early design phases to reduce hardware and mission-level failures
- Mentor junior engineers and establish best practices for spacecraft thermal analysis and testing
Required Qualifications & Skills:
Education
- B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or related discipline
- M.Tech specialization in Heat Transfer, Thermal Sciences, or Aerospace Systems preferred
Technical Skills
- Strong expertise in spacecraft thermal engineering and orbital thermal environment analysis
- Hands-on proficiency with ESATAN-TMS, Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, or equivalent thermal simulation tools
- Deep understanding of heat transfer principles including radiation, conduction, and vacuum thermal behavior
- Experience with orbital thermal modelling, eclipse calculations, albedo, and OLR analysis
- Knowledge of MLI blanket design, effective emissivity characterization, and spacecraft thermal coatings
- Familiarity with heater circuit design, thermistor/PTC selection, and active thermal control systems
- Understanding of thermal-structural interactions, thermoelastic distortion, and CTE mismatch considerations
- Experience performing component-level PCB thermal analysis and thermal risk mitigation
Experience
- Minimum 3+ years of experience in spacecraft thermal engineering or space-grade subsystem development
- Proven experience conducting or supporting TVAC and thermal qualification test campaigns
- Strong working knowledge of ECSS-E-ST-31 and environmental qualification standards such as MIL-STD-810
- Experience participating in spacecraft design reviews including PDR, CDR, and qualification review boards
Soft Skills
- Excellent technical documentation and reporting skills
- Strong cross-functional communication and stakeholder collaboration abilities
- Ability to clearly communicate thermal risks, trade-offs, and mitigation strategies
- Highly analytical mindset with proactive problem-solving capabilities
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working on LEO satellite missions or commercial spacecraft programs
- Exposure to high-volume aerospace manufacturing or satellite production environments
- Prior leadership or mentoring experience within thermal or systems engineering teams
- Familiarity with integrated spacecraft subsystem development and mission operations
Click on Apply to know more.