space thermal

• Bilbao
• Posted 5 hours ago

At SATLANTIS, we develop advanced optical and space technologies with one purpose: solving global challenges from above. From our headquarters in Leioa (Bizkaia, Spain), we lead innovation in high-resolution Earth observation, satellite missions, and cutting-edge space systems.

We are now offering the opportunity to join our Space Systems department as a Space Thermal & System Engineer, where you will contribute to the design, analysis, and verification of thermal architectures that ensure the performance, reliability, and mission success of our optical payloads and satellites.

• Mission-driven engineering: You will contribute directly to the thermal design, performance, and reliability of systems that operate in real space missions, supporting Earth observation, strategic applications, and scientific exploration.
• Challenging, diverse projects: You will work on thermal design, simulations, satellite-level systems engineering, AIT, and mission-related activities, gaining hands-on experience across the full lifecycle of space systems.
• Growth and autonomy: You will learn from experienced engineers while gradually taking ownership of key thermal and system activities, with the trust and support to grow at your own pace.
• Flexible working hours: You will organize your schedule within a culture of autonomy and responsibility.
• Private health insurance: You will have access to comprehensive medical coverage that supports your wellbeing.
• Dynamic and collaborative environment: You will join a multidisciplinary team where learning, curiosity, and innovation are part of everyday work.
• Campus benefits: You will work within the UPV/EHU campus in Leioa, with access to facilities, services, and a vibrant research environment.

As a Space Thermal & System Engineer, your purpose will be to design and validate the thermal architecture that ensures our payloads and satellites operate reliably across all mission phases. Your work will be essential to guaranteeing system performance, supporting spacecraft design, and enabling the success of multiple ongoing and future missions.

You will also contribute to system-level engineering, satellite design, AIT activities, operational planning, and flight dynamics, gaining exposure to the full space engineering cycle.

Primary focus:

• Thermal Architecture Design: define specific components, establish thermal budgets, select passive/active thermal control systems, and perform preliminary calculations.
• Component Selection: choose elements such as MLI/SLI, radiators, heaters, thermistors, thermal straps, heat pipes, cryocoolers, cold blocks, thermal interface materials, insulation materials, coatings, and paints.
• Detailed Design & Calculations: carry out design activities and thermal calculations from component level to top-level assembly.
• Simulation Analysis: interpret thermo-mechanical simulations and propose modifications or new solutions accordingly.
• Test Planning & Verification: prepare, support, and validate tests to verify thermal design performance.
• Documentation: generate preliminary investigation reports, detailed design reports, and PDR/CDR presentations.
• Thermal Simulations: perform simulations independently using ESATAN/ESARAD and transfer results to FEMAP.

Secondary focus:

• Satellite & Mission Design: contribute to the definition and analysis of satellite missions.
• Systems Engineering: support system-level integration and coordination activities.
• Project Management: participate in planning, tracking, and execution of project milestones.
• Satellite Operations: provide input for satellite operation strategies and processes.
• AIT Engineering: collaborate in Assembly, Integration, and Testing activities.
• Flight Dynamics: contribute to mission analysis and flight dynamics engineering tasks.

• Foundations in thermal design and analysis: Your knowledge in thermal modelling, simulations, or thermo-mechanical behaviour will help you contribute from day one and deepen your expertise as you face new engineering challenges.
• Hands-on attitude and problem-solving mindset: Your ability to approach complex technical problems with initiative, creativity, and persistence will allow you to excel in multidisciplinary space projects.
• Engineering background that supports growth: A degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, or related engineering fields will give you the technical base to understand spacecraft systems and evolve into more complex responsibilities.
• Collaborative communication and adaptability: Your ability to work with different teams, contribute openly, and adapt to new tasks will help you thrive in an environment where responsibilities evolve with experience.
• Fluency in English: Speaking and writing English confidently will allow you to collaborate effectively in international contexts, share findings, and participate in design reviews.
• Basic programming knowledge: Familiarity with scripting or technical programming will support your modelling, calculations, and data interpretation as you grow into more advanced tasks.

Ready to take your next step in the space industry?

If you are motivated by the challenge of building reliable thermal architectures, eager to learn across multiple space engineering disciplines, and excited to contribute to real missions that observe and protect our planet, apply now and join SATLANTIS on its mission to shape the future of space technology.