We’re seeking an experienced Senior Thermal Design Engineer to lead the design, analysis, and validation of spacecraft thermal control systems. You’ll play a key role in developing models, defining control strategies, and supporting testing to ensure mission-critical performance and reliability. Working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams, you’ll help deliver innovative thermal solutions that meet the demanding requirements of space applications.
- Experience Level: Mid - Senior
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the end-to-end thermal design and simulation process for spacecraft components and subsystems.
- Build and validate detailed thermal models using specialist engineering software.
- Define and implement effective thermal control strategies using both active and passive methods, such as heat pipes, radiators, insulation, and heaters.
- Support all levels of testing, from component evaluation to full spacecraft system trials.
- Plan and oversee environmental qualification tests, including thermal vacuum campaigns, and review results to verify performance.
- Participate in key engineering milestones, design reviews, and technical discussions throughout the project lifecycle.
- Ensure all thermal systems comply with internal standards, performance targets, and customer expectations.
- Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including mechanical, systems, electrical, and propulsion engineers to ensure seamless integration.
- Provide technical leadership, mentoring less experienced engineers, and encouraging best practice across the team.
- Produce and maintain high-quality engineering documentation, including test procedures, reports, specifications, and technical drawings.
Required Skills
-
Essential: Proven experience working within the space sector , supporting spacecraft or satellite programmes.
- Approximately 10+ years of experience in thermal design and analysis for space applications.
- Proficiency in thermal analysis tools (such as ESATAN-TMS, Thermal Desktop, or similar) and 3D CAD software.
- Strong understanding of heat transfer mechanisms , space environments, and thermal control design principles.
Required Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering , or equivalent military experience .
Desirable Skills
- Ability to work autonomously while contributing effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
- Experience mentoring or technically guiding other engineers is advantageous.
- Experience planning and conducting thermal and environmental testing campaigns.
- Familiarity with flight hardware development and qualification processes.
- Excellent communication, documentation, and teamwork skills.
Why join us?
We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.
At ALTEN , you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.
Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.
In short you get
- A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
- A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
- Private Medical Insurance
- Employee assistance programme
- Life insurance & Pension Scheme
- Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
- Flexible way of working (role dependent)
We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes.
ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global