AAC Clyde Space is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer (Thermal) to join our growing team and take technical ownership of the thermal design, modelling and analysis of our satellite platforms and subsystems.
In this role, you will be responsible for developing and validating thermal control systems across the full mission lifecycle — from concept and design through to testing and in‑orbit performance. You will use tools such as ANSYS, ESATAN, and SolidWorks to perform detailed thermal analyses, review critical design work, and oversee the build, integration, and test project phases. This is a hands‑on role that combines detailed thermal analysis with mechanical and project engineering responsibilities. You will collaborate closely with systems, electronics, AIT, and project teams to ensure robust and flight‑ready solutions. We are open to hybrid working for this role.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead thermal‑mechanical design and analysis activities across multiple CubeSat and small satellite programmes.
- Lead spacecraft thermal control design, including passive and active systems (radiators, coatings, heaters, insulation, and thermal straps).
- Conduct detailed thermal and structural analyses (steady‑state, transient, and coupled thermal‑mechanical FEA) using tools such as ESATAN and ANSYS Mechanical.
- Define and support environmental testing (thermal cycling, thermal balance) to qualify designs for flight.
- Ensure compliance with relevant standards (ECSS, internal or NASA where applicable).
- Optimise designs for mass, stiffness, manufacturability, and thermal performance.
- Provide technical leadership, mentoring, and support to mechanical and thermal engineers.
- Manage project deliverables, documentation, and design reviews to meet mission and launch requirements.
- Liaise with customers, suppliers, and partners to ensure compliance with specifications and standards.
- Contribute to process and design improvements, helping to define internal best practices and internal standards.
- Support programme management by providing technical input, estimates, and risk assessments.
Skills Required
- Relevant degree or equivalent work experience.
- Demonstrated experience delivering structural and mechanical systems through full design life cycles.
- Proven experience in thermal or structural design within high‑reliability or safety‑critical industries (e.g. aerospace, automotive, energy, or defence).
- Proficiency in CAD and analysis tools such as SolidWorks, ANSYS (or equivalent).
- Experience with materials and manufacturing processes, including metals, composites, and polymers.
- Strong understanding of mechanical and thermal engineering principles.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities — capable of bridging technical and programme discussions.
- High attention to detail, with consistent and disciplined documentation practices.
- Take ownership of complex challenges and drive them to resolution with integrity and professionalism.
- Maintain accountability for your work while contributing to a supportive and inclusive team culture.
- Demonstrates sound judgement and resilience in dynamic, time‑constrained environments.
- Excellent organisation and prioritisation; comfortable with multiple concurrent workstreams/projects to deliver high‑quality engineering outputs in a dynamic environment with tight deadlines.
- Competent IT skills including Microsoft software.
- Proficient in English, both verbally and written.
Skills Desired
- Space industry experience advantageous but not essential – experience in other high‑performance industries welcome.
- Experience with spacecraft thermal systems, including radiators, MLI, heaters, and thermal straps.
- Knowledge of thermal analysis tools such as ESATAN‑TMS or Thermal Desktop.
- Familiarity with space‑grade materials, outgassing behaviour, and environmental effects.
- Experience with environmental testing (TVAC, Vibration).
- Understanding of ECSS or NASA engineering standards.
- Background in CubeSat, small satellite, or other space systems design and verification.
- Experience leading design reviews and supporting flight hardware qualification.
- Previous experience working with small/medium sized company.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We aim to create a positive recruitment and selection experience across every part of our business. The company is committed to handling applications to a consistently high standard and all candidates with dignity and respect. Those involved in the recruitment and selection process will act with integrity, objectivity and professionalism. We are committed to equal opportunities for all and to have diversity reflected within our global workforce. We believe its diversity and inclusion will allow for greater creativity and innovation to help AAC Clyde Space deliver the vision to help improve life on earth.
Openness to Flexible Working
We recognise work‑life balance is important so we are open to discussions around flexible working, depending on the nature of the role and business needs. If you would like to know more, please ask the Hiring Manager during any recruitment process that you may be involved in.
Right to Work
AAC Clyde Space has a legal responsibility to ensure that all its employees have the legal right to live and work in the EU or the country in which they plan to work. Therefore, if you are made an offer of employment, this will be subject to AAC Clyde Space verifying that you are eligible to work in that country before you start work.
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