Satellite Mechanical & Thermal Architect

Location: Toulouse, France
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Sector: Space Systems / New Space

About the Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Satellite Mechanical & Thermal Architect to join a growing organisation operating within the rapidly evolving New Space sector. Working within a multidisciplinary engineering team, you will play a key role in the design, development, testing and in-orbit support of advanced satellite systems.

This position offers the chance to work across the full satellite lifecycle, from early concept studies through to launch, commissioning and operational support.

Key Responsibilities

Mechanical & Thermal Architecture

• Define and develop the mechanical and thermal architecture of satellite systems.
• Lead activities from early concept and feasibility studies through detailed design and qualification phases.
• Ensure compliance with technical, programme and customer requirements.

Integration, Verification & Testing

• Act as the technical focal point for mechanical Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT) activities.
• Prepare, execute and validate mechanical qualification and thermal vacuum test campaigns.
• Support verification and validation activities throughout the development programme.

Launch & Operations Support

• Participate in launch preparation activities and satellite-to-launcher integration.
• Support Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) activities.
• Monitor thermal performance during commissioning and operational phases.

Configuration & Layout Management

• Define and optimise internal and external spacecraft layouts.
• Ensure effective equipment accommodation and subsystem integration.

Supplier & Technical Management

• Coordinate internal teams and external suppliers involved in the development of structures, thermal hardware and associated analyses.
• Review and approve design justifications, analyses and technical deliverables.

Customer Interface

• Engage with customers, partners and regulatory stakeholders.
• Contribute to technical reviews, project meetings and progress reporting.

Innovation & Business Development Support

• Contribute to technical proposals, bids and future mission concepts.
• Support the development of innovative space system solutions.

Candidate Profile

Essential Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in mechanical and/or thermal engineering within the space sector.
• Strong understanding of spacecraft mechanical and thermal design principles.
• Experience producing technical documentation, trade-off studies and engineering justifications.
• Ability to communicate effectively with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders.

Desirable Experience

• Experience leading the complete development of spacecraft mechanical and thermal architecture throughout the full project lifecycle.
• Knowledge of environmental testing, including thermal vacuum and mechanical qualification testing.
• Familiarity with launcher integration activities and in-orbit commissioning support.

Qualifications & Skills

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Thermal Engineering or a related discipline.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• French language skills would be advantageous.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

What’s on Offer

• Permanent position based in Toulouse, one of Europe’s leading aerospace and space hubs.
• Flexible working arrangements and strong work-life balance.
• Professional development and career progression opportunities.
• Exposure to innovative satellite programmes within a dynamic New Space environment.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

If you are passionate about spacecraft development and want to contribute to cutting-edge satellite missions from concept through to orbit, we would be delighted to hear from you.