Senior Mechanical Engineer - Deployable Structures

Senior Mechanical Engineer – Deployable Structures & Space Systems

Paris Region, France | Full-Time | Hybrid

iO Associates are partnered with a pioneering European space technology company developing advanced deployable hardware for next-generation satellite platforms. Their technology is helping address one of the biggest challenges in modern space missions: delivering significantly higher power capability without increasing launch constraints.

As part of a growing and highly ambitious engineering team, they are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to take ownership of critical mechanical subsystems, driving concepts from initial design through testing, qualification and large-scale production.

International applicants are encouraged to apply. Relocation assistance and visa sponsorship may be available for candidates with particularly strong experience in relevant engineering disciplines.

The Opportunity

This role is ideally suited to an engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges from first principles and wants to see their designs progress from concept into high-performance, flight-ready hardware. You will take ownership of major elements of the mechanical architecture, working across design, analysis, prototyping, testing and manufacturability to deliver innovative solutions for demanding aerospace applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop and qualify key mechanical subsystems for advanced deployable structures and space hardware.
• Take ownership of major areas of mechanical architecture, including structural assemblies, integrated mechanical systems and deployment concepts.
• Lead engineering trade studies and perform structural, thermal and kinematic analyses to optimise system performance.
• Produce detailed designs using CAD and simulation tools, supporting decisions with analytical calculations and engineering judgement.
• Work closely with prototype hardware, testing concepts and refining designs through iterative development cycles.
• Design solutions with scalability and manufacturability in mind, ensuring suitability for future production environments.
• Support subsystem integration, verification and qualification campaigns.
• Deliver lightweight, reliable systems capable of performing in demanding launch and operational environments.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical excellence across the wider engineering team.

Requirements

We’re interested in speaking with candidates who can demonstrate:

• 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, product development or complex hardware design.
• Experience delivering multiple products or systems through complete development lifecycles, from concept through to validated hardware.
• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals and the ability to solve unfamiliar challenges using first-principles analysis.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as CATIA, Siemens NX, SolidWorks or similar platforms.
• Experience with FEA and engineering simulation tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• A hands-on approach to engineering and product development.
• Experience designing systems intended to operate in harsh, highly demanding or safety-critical environments.
• The ability to work autonomously while taking ownership of significant technical responsibilities.
• Professional-level English communication skills.

Desirable Experience

Although not essential, the following would be advantageous:

• Experience within the space, aerospace, defence or NewSpace sectors.
• Exposure to deployable structures, lightweight composite assemblies, solar array systems or other advanced mechanical architectures.
• Design for Manufacturing (DfM) experience, with a focus on transitioning products from development into production.
• Previous mentoring, technical leadership or work package ownership experience.

What’s on Offer?

• The opportunity to work on groundbreaking space technology programmes.
• Significant technical ownership and direct influence on product development.
• A highly collaborative and international engineering environment.
• Access to advanced design, development and testing facilities.
• Fast-paced career progression and exposure to challenging technical problems.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Potential long-term incentive schemes.
• Relocation and visa sponsorship support for exceptional international candidates.

If you’re an engineer who thrives on building innovative hardware from the ground up and wants to play a key role in shaping the future of the European space industry, we’d love to hear from you.