System Engineer Jobs in Lancaster, PA (NOW HIRING)

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 programs—from 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.

We're looking for a Space Systems Engineer who wants more than a narrowly defined engineering role. Whether you're beginning your engineering career or bringing prior experience, you'll 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.

ACT's 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.

You'll work as part of a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians to develop structures, thermal control components, and systems designed to operate outside Earth's atmosphere.

What You'll Work On

This is not an engineering role where you'll 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 doesn't 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

You're probably a good fit if you enjoy figuring out how things work and solving problems that don't always come with detailed instructions.

You want to move beyond the classroom or computer screen and see how engineering decisions translate into real hardware. You're interested in learning from experienced engineers and technicians while building experience across analysis, design, testing, manufacturing, and customer applications.

Most importantly, you're 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 don't always come with an existing playbook. You'll 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.
ACT's 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 you're 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 barbara.rockwell@1-act.com.