Job Description

Date Posted: 07/27/2023
Req ID: 33101
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
Department: Institute for Aerospace Studies
Campus: University of Toronto Institute for Aerospace Studies

Description:

The Space Flight Laboratory (SFL) is a world-leading satellite developer that offers a complete suite of nano-, micro-, and small satellites - including high-performance, low-cost CubeSats - that satisfy the needs of a broad range of mission types from 3 to 500 kilograms. Dating from 1998, SFL\'s heritage of on-orbit successes includes over 70 satellites and distinct missions related to Earth observation, atmospheric monitoring, ship tracking, communication, radio frequency (RF) geolocation, technology demonstration, space astronomy, solar physics, space plasma, and other scientific research.

The incumbent will have a leading role in the design, development of thermal control systems and structures for spacecraft, including the analysis, design, prototyping, assembly, integration and testing of all the necessary components.

Responsibilities:

• Thermal modeling, analysis, design and implementation on spacecraft.
• Support thermal vacuum testing for thermal model evaluation.
• Correlate on-orbit results against predictions to improve thermal models.
• Evaluate, test and document thermal properties for thermal control materials.
• Design, prototype, assemble and/or test spacecraft structures and mechanisms that meet the requirements of the components being housed and loads and vibration requirements imposed by launch vehicles and operating environments.
• Develop finite element models for static and dynamic analyses of the designed spacecraft structures. Analyze spacecraft structures using finite element models and/or hand calculations.
• Create drawings and specifications to convey the structure designs to other engineers and consultants. Create solid models of internal and external spacecraft layouts.
• Maintain mass budgets and allocations.
• Produce drawings for machining and fabrication using CAD tools; coordinate with machine shops and suppliers.
• Perform mechanical fit checks, assembly, and integration.
• Define and perform structural shock and/or vibration tests.
• Select, define, acquire, install and/or identify facilities to support thermal, structural and/or mechanism development and testing. This includes developing or acquiring any necessary software.
• Work with consultants that are supporting thermal and/or structure and/or mechanism development, including coordinating analyses and prototyping and testing activities.
• Perform trade analyses on alternate spacecraft configurations.
• Collaborate with other engineers to specify requirements on, and obtain requirements from other spacecraft subsystems that are affected by the thermal and/or structural designs.
• Work with SFL consultants to obtain comments and review of analysis and design efforts, component selection and acquisition, and assembly and testing procedures.
• Prepare cost estimates for new thermal systems, structures or mechanisms or modifications to existing systems. Advise on design feasibility and cost.
• Research new technologies and new applications for developing thermal control and/or spacecraft structures and/or mechanisms.
• Develop and execute research vision with PI to achieve research goals.
• The research associate is expected to publish both at conferences and in journals.
• Assist with the supervision of graduate students doing research.

Quali\xef\xac\x81cations:

Education:

• PhD in Aerospace or acceptable combination of a degree and equivalent experience in Mechanical Engineering with specialization in thermal systems and/or spacecraft structures and/or mechanisms.

Experience:

• 1 to 2 years of industrial or post-graduate experience in the relevant technical field.
• Must have at least 1 year experience in the space industry.

Skills:

• Ability to use mechanical analysis and design tools, NX, SolidEdge or similar.
• Ability to generate lumped nodal models for thermal analysis.
• Ability to perform finite element analysis for displacements, stresses, modal analysis.
• Familiarity with thermal and/or structural analysis and design.
• Familiarity with mechanism design especially for use in space.
• Familiarity with fasteners, helicoils, epoxies.
• Familiarity with the use of composites like honeycomb and carbon fiber.
• Ability to perform thermal vacuum testing.
• Ability to perform mechanical testing, e.g. shock and vibration
• Ability to use mechanical test equipment, e.g. vibration table.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and work environment.

Required Documents:

Candidates are requested to submit a comprehensive cover letter that summarizes the research experience of the applicant and a CV.

Note: This is a one year position with possibility of renewal.

Closing Date: 08/04/2023,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Research Associate
Appointment Type: Grant - Term
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: R01 -- Research Associates (Limited Term): $47,287 - $88,663
Job Category: Engineering / Technical

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see .

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

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