Internship Thermal Engineering (m/f/d)

Job Description

ATMOS Space Cargo is seeking an Intern Thermal Engineering (m/f/d) for a six-month internship supporting the thermal design, analysis, and verification of our re-entry and return vehicles. You will build and run thermal models alongside our thermal engineers, help prepare and execute test campaigns, and see how a spacecraft thermal design is proven before flight. Working with the mechanical, systems, avionics, and AIT teams, you will own your own piece of the analysis rather than watch from the side.

Key Responsibilities

• You will support the development and maintenance of thermal models for spacecraft components and subsystems.
• You will run thermal analyses across mission phases such as launch, orbit operations, re-entry, and ground handling, guided by our thermal engineers.
• You will help prepare and carry out thermal test campaigns, including TVAC, thermal balance, and thermal cycling, and process the resulting data.
• You will assist with the definition of thermal hardware such as MLI, heaters, sensors, and thermal fillers, and with their integration onto flight hardware.
• You will work with the mechanical, systems, avionics, and AIT teams to understand interfaces and keep your analysis aligned with the design.
• You will document your results in analysis notes, test reports, and inputs to design reviews.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Thermal Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field.
• Good understanding of heat transfer principles, including conduction, convection, radiation, and transient behavior.
• Basic knowledge of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics from coursework or project work.
• First experience with a thermal modeling or simulation tool such as Simcenter 3D, TaiTherm, SimLab Thermal, Simulink, or MATLAB.
• Interest in spacecraft, re-entry vehicles, or thermal protection systems.
• A structured, hands-on working style and the willingness to ask questions and learn quickly.
• Good written and spoken English; German is a plus.
• Available for the full six months, onsite in Lichtenau.

Preferred Qualifications

• Scripting skills in Python or MATLAB for data processing and analysis.
• Exposure to laboratory or test environments, for example vacuum, vibration, or thermal testing.
• Familiarity with ECSS standards or aerospace verification practices.
• Experience with CAD tools.