Space Systems Engineer (Product Development)
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 a Space Systems Engineer who wants more than a narrowly defined engineering role. Whether youre beginning your engineering career or bringing prior experience youll have the opportunity to solve multidisciplinary problems work alongside experienced engineers and technicians and help turn early concepts into tested manufacturable 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 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.
Youll work as part of a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians to develop structures thermal control components and systems designed to operate outside Earths atmosphere.
What Youll Work On
This is not an engineering role where youll spend years focused on one small piece of a larger system.
Depending on the project you may be developing a new spacecraft thermal or mechanical concept performing engineering calculations creating CAD models conducting CFD or FEA analysis developing drawings working alongside technicians building prototype hardware evaluating test results or supporting customer discussions.
Your work may support:
- Satellites and spacecraft
- Scientific instruments and payloads
- Commercial space platforms
- Spacecraft thermal control systems
- Structural and mechanical 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 proven engineering. Others start with a set of requirements an empty whiteboard and a problem that still needs a solution.
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 giving you the opportunity to see your ideas become hardware learn from testing refine designs and understand how products successfully transition into production.
Responsibilities Include
- Supporting all aspects of initial product design including:
- Innovative concept generation
- Excel or hand-calculation analysis
- 3-D CAD modeling using SolidWorks
- CFD and FEA analysis
- 2-D drawing creation
- Design review documentation
- Compliance Matrix and FMEA development and review
- Developing fabrication procedures and work instructions
- Working collaboratively with engineers and technicians across disciplines
- Supporting program schedules and budgets
- Communicating professionally with customers
- Supporting business development and marketing activities as needed
- B.S. or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering
- Proficiency or academic experience with CAD FEA and/or CFD tools
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Interest in hands-on engineering product development testing and manufacturing
- U.S. Person as defined by 22 C.F.R. 120.15 (U.S. Citizen lawful permanent resident refugee or asylee) due to ITAR restrictions preferred
Experience with any of the following is a plus but not required:
- SolidWorks
- Autodesk Simulation Fluent or COMSOL
- Thermal Desktop or NASTRAN
- Design for manufacturability
- Prototype hardware fabrication or testing
- Engineering internships co-ops research or hands-on project experience
The Kind of Engineer Who Thrives Here
Youre probably a good fit if you enjoy figuring out how things work and solving problems that dont always come with detailed instructions.
You want to move beyond the classroom or computer screen and see how engineering decisions translate into real hardware. Youre interested in learning from experienced engineers and technicians while building experience across analysis design testing manufacturing and customer applications.
Most importantly youre curious willing to learn and ready to take on new technical challenges.
Why Join ACT
Work on hardware that goes to space.
Your engineering work can directly contribute to spacecraft hardware supporting real-world missions.
Build broad engineering experience.
Develop skills across analysis CAD design prototyping testing manufacturing and customer applications.
Learn by doing.
Work alongside experienced engineers and technicians and see firsthand how designs become physical hardware.
Solve different problems.
Space programs dont always come with an existing playbook. Youll have opportunities to contribute to customized solutions and new technologies.
See the full development cycle.
Follow programs from early concepts and calculations through design prototyping testing qualification manufacturing and flight.
Grow with us.
ACTs Space Systems capabilities are expanding alongside a rapidly evolving space industry creating opportunities to build your engineering career while contributing to exciting programs.
Make Your Next Engineering Challenge One That Flies.
Whether youre graduating and looking for your first engineering opportunity or ready for the next step in your career ACT offers the chance to work on challenging technical problems learn from a multidisciplinary team and see your work 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:
IC
About Company
Advanced Cooling Technologies, a leading thermal management solutions provider, specializes in thermal management solutions for spacecraft, electronics, and more.