Lead Mechanical Engineer – Spacecraft Structures

WHO ARE WE?Sateliot is a Barcelona-based Startup in the New Space sector, becoming theWHO ARE WE?Sateliot is a Barcelona-based Startup in the New Space sector, becoming the first satellite telecommunications operator that will provide global and continuous connectivity to all the elements that will make up the massive Internet of Things (IoT) universe under the 5G protocol.
In order to do so, Sateliot is launching a constellation of last generation nanosatellites, located at low altitude that act as mobile towers. Sateliot is the perfect complement for large telecommunications companies by providing them with the necessary infrastructure where terrestrial technologies do not arrive.
YOUR MISSIONSateliot is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead mechanical and thermal-structural engineering across the full lifecycle of an advanced LEO satellite platform and payload antenna system.
This role requires a deep first-principles approach to mechanical design, combined with hands-on expertise in developing lightweight, deployable, semi-rigid space structures that must survive launch loads, deploy reliably in orbit, and maintain performance through aggressive LEO thermal cycling.
The successful candidate will take ownership from early concept and detailed design through manufacturing, qualification, integration, testing, and on-orbit support.
Your Main FunctionsMechanical Architecture & Structural LeadershipOwn the mechanical design of the satellite bus structure and payload antenna assemblies.
Lead architecture decisions using physics-based first principles reasoning, balancing mass, stiffness, thermal stability, and manufacturability.
Drive structural trade-offs for LEO-class spacecraft where volume and mass efficiency are critical.
Deployable & Lightweight Space StructuresDesign and qualify deployable mechanisms and semi-rigid lightweight structures (antenna deployment systems, panels, booms, hinges).
Ensure robust repeatability, stiffness, and dimensional stability after deployment.
Address latch design, hold-down release mechanisms, tolerances, and deployment dynamics in orbit.
LEO Orbital Mechanical Environment ExpertiseDesign spacecraft structures for the unique challenges of LEO operation, including:High-frequency thermal cycling (eclipse transitions)Thermo-elastic distortion affecting payload pointing and RF performanceAtomic oxygen degradation of exposed materialsMicrogravity-induced structural behaviour changesLaunch Survivability & Mechanical QualificationEnsure all mechanical systems meet launcher and environmental requirements, including:Random vibrationAcoustic loadingShock events (separation, pyro-shock)Define qualification and acceptance approaches suitable for LEO constellation-style deployment, balancing reliability and production cadence.
Full Engineering Lifecycle OwnershipLead mechanical development through the complete lifecycle:Concept design and prototypingDetailed CAD and manufacturing releaseSupplier engagement and production readinessAssembly, Integration & Test (AIT)Qualification campaigns (vibration, thermal vacuum, deployment testing)Structural Analysis & VerificationOversee structural analysis activities, including:FEM development and correlationModal analysis, static margins, buckling, dynamic responseEstablish verification plans compliant with ECSS/NASA/launcher requirements.
Support hardware test execution, anomaly resolution, and design iteration.
Cross-Functional Technical LeadershipAct as mechanical technical authority interfacing with systems, RF, thermal, avionics, manufacturing, and mission teams.
Mentor engineers and elevate structural/mechanical rigor across the organization.
REQUIREMENTSGeneralMSc or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.10+ years of experience delivering flight mechanical hardware for spacecraft or high-reliability aerospace systems.
Strong first-principles structural and thermal-mechanical reasoning capability.
Proven experience designing for:Launch vibration and shock environmentsThermal-vacuum operation in LEODeployable spacecraft structures and antenna systemsTools & Technical CompetenciesStructural simulation: ANSYS, AbaqusUnderstanding of coupled thermal-structural effects preferredExperience with qualification documentation, test correlation, and margin trackingPersonal AttributesPhysics-driven engineer with deep curiosity and rigorEnd-to-end ownership mindset across design → test → flightStrong balance of analytical depth and practical build/test executionComfortable working in fast-paced, high-performance LEO development environmentsNICE TO HAVEMechanical ownership of deployable antenna reflectors, phased-array panels, booms, or other lightweight space deployable.
Deep familiarity with spacecraft structural materials and processes:CFRP compositesAluminium and titanium alloysPrecision machining and additive manufacturing where appropriateWorking knowledge of atomic oxygen, outgassing, contamination, and material selecti