Space Systems Senior Engineer
Lancaster, NE - USA
Job Summary
Engineer Hardware for the Next Generation of Space Missions
What if your next engineering challenge was something that had never been built before
At Advanced Cooling Technologies (ACT) our Space Systems engineers work on real spacecraft programsfrom early-stage concepts and new commercial platforms to scientific missions and some of the most ambitious programs in the space industry.
We work with NASA established aerospace organizations and innovative commercial space companies developing the next generation of satellites spacecraft instruments and space infrastructure.
Were looking for an experienced Space Systems Senior Engineer who wants more than a narrowly defined engineering role. Here youll have the opportunity to take ownership of challenging programs solve multidisciplinary problems work directly with customers and help turn early concepts into tested manufacturable flight hardware.
About ACT
Advanced Cooling Technologies Inc. (ACT) is a leading provider of thermal management solutions for aerospace defense data centers energy and industrial applications. For more than 20 years ACT has engineered and manufactured innovative technologies that solve complex thermal challenges in demanding environments. Our team is driven by continuous innovation teamwork and collaboration delivering reliable solutions that support critical missions and next-generation technologies worldwide.
ACTs capabilities extend from advanced engineering and analysis through prototyping testing qualification and manufacturing. For our Space Systems engineers that creates an opportunity to stay connected to a program throughout its development rather than working on one isolated piece of a much larger project.
As the commercial space industry continues to grow and new missions become increasingly ambitious ACT is growing with it.
Position Summary
The Space Systems Senior Engineer supports the development of spacecraft hardware and systems across multiple phases of the engineering lifecycle ranging from concept generation and initial design through detailed analysis prototype hardware fabrication testing and volume production.
Projects can range from modifications of proven designs to true blank sheet of paper development programs requiring new ideas new approaches and advanced performance testing.
At any given time the Senior Engineer may be responsible for the success of multiple projects providing the opportunity to work across many aspects of the product development cycle. Youll work as part of a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians to develop complex systems and solve challenging technical problems.
Candidates with a strong technical background and experience designing complex manufacturable components and systems will excel in this position.
What Youll Work On
This is not an engineering role where youll spend years focused on one small subsystem.
As a Space Systems Senior Engineer youll have opportunities to work across a diverse range of spacecraft programs and technical challenges.
Depending on the project you may be developing a new spacecraft thermal or mechanical concept evaluating design trades performing detailed analysis developing CAD models reviewing manufacturing drawings working alongside technicians building prototype hardware evaluating test results or meeting directly with a customer to solve a mission-specific challenge.
Your work may support:
- Satellites and spacecraft
- Scientific instruments and payloads
- Commercial space platforms
- Spacecraft thermal control systems
- Structural and mechanical systems
- Radiators and heat rejection systems
- Prototype and flight hardware
- Emerging spacecraft architectures and technologies
- Programs ranging from one-of-a-kind missions to higher-volume spacecraft production
Some projects build on decades of proven engineering. Others start with a set of requirements an empty whiteboard and a problem no one has solved yet.
Work Across the Full Engineering Lifecycle
Concept Analysis Design Build Test Qualify Production Flight
At ACT engineering doesnt stop when the model is complete. Our engineers work closely with manufacturing and technicians throughout development creating an environment where you can see your ideas become hardware learn from testing refine the design and help successfully transition products into production.
That combination of analysis hands-on development and manufacturing is a major part of what makes engineering at ACT different.
Responsibilities Include:
- All aspects of initial product design including:
- Innovative concept generation
- Excel or hand calculation analytical analysis
- Detailed Thermal Analyses (steady state transients)
- Ability to perform basic structural assessments a plus
- Manufacturing Drawing generation and review
- Compliance Matrix generation and review
- 3-D CAD modeling (Solidworks)
- Fabrication procedures & travelers
- Working with a diverse group of engineers and technicians
- Managing program schedules and budget
- Frequent and professional customer communication
Our work environment demands a candidate with the ability to take on multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment. We are looking for team players who enjoy working with customers vendors and co-workers to provide the best service and solutions. The best candidates will be those who embrace new challenges using critical thinking skills.
- US Person as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.15 (U.S. Citizen lawful permanent resident refugee or asylee) due to ITAR restrictions preferred.
- B.S. or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering
- Basic understanding of process systems
- Proficiency in using commercial CAD (Solidworks) and FEA (Solidworks) tools along with heat transfer system design tools
- 8 years experience in a technical-oriented company
- 3-5 years hands-on experience designing heat transfer equipment with a strong preference for experience in supporting programs from concept generation to a test-validated prototype
- Excellent verbal and written skills
The Kind of Engineer Who Thrives Here
Youre probably a good fit if you enjoy being handed a difficult engineering problem more than being handed a detailed set of instructions.
Youre comfortable moving between calculations analysis CAD hardware testing manufacturing and customer conversations. You understand that the best engineering solution isnt simply the one that works in a modelit also has to be manufacturable testable reliable and capable of meeting demanding mission requirements.
Most importantly you want ownership.
You want to understand the entire problem contribute to the solution and stay involved long enough to see whether it actually works.
Why Join ACT
Work on hardware that goes to space.
Your engineering decisions can directly influence spacecraft hardware supporting real-world missions.
Work with organizations shaping whats next.
Collaborate on programs for NASA established aerospace organizations and emerging commercial space companies developing new spacecraft and mission architectures.
Take ownership of challenging programs.
Senior engineers at ACT arent limited to executing individual tasks. Youll have opportunities to influence technical direction and drive programs forward.
Work beyond the computer screen.
Collaborate with the people who build and test your designs and see firsthand how engineering decisions translate into physical hardware.
Solve different problems.
Space programs dont always come with an existing playbook. Many require customized solutions creative thinking and engineering judgment.
See the full development cycle.
Follow programs from early concepts and calculations through design prototyping testing qualification manufacturing and flight.
Join us at a time of growth.
ACTs Space Systems capabilities are expanding alongside a rapidly evolving space industry creating opportunities for experienced engineers to help shape the technologies programs and teams that come next.
Make Your Next Engineering Challenge One That Flies.
Youve spent years developing your engineering expertise. Now put that experience toward problems that demand it.
At ACT youll have the opportunity to solve difficult technical challenges develop new technologies work alongside talented engineers and technicians and see your ideas progress from an initial concept to real spacecraft hardware.
ACT offers competitive pay excellent benefits (medical dental vision paid time off holidays company-paid life & disability insurance 401(k) match and profit-sharing) and a supportive team environment.
ACT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race color religion national origin sex sexual orientation gender identity age disability veteran status or any other protected characteristic.
ACT participates in E-Verify.
California Applicants: ACT collects personal information for hiring purposes. California residents may have rights under the CCPA/CPRA. Contact HR at .
Required Experience:
Senior IC
About Company
Advanced Cooling Technologies, a leading thermal management solutions provider, specializes in thermal management solutions for spacecraft, electronics, and more.