Mechanical & Thermal Satellite Architect – Toulouse, France

Darwin Space are partnering with an emerging European space company developing advanced Earth observation technologies focused on environmental monitoring from space.

The team is continuing to scale its satellite engineering capability and is looking to strengthen its expertise in mechanical and thermal architecture across a next-generation spacecraft programme.

The Opportunity

This role sits within a growing space engineering team working on the development of a new satellite platform for environmental and atmospheric monitoring applications.

The focus is on defining and validating the mechanical and thermal architecture of the spacecraft, working closely with platform and payload partners from early design through to testing and operational phases.

They are looking for someone with strong hands-on experience in satellite mechanical architecture and thermomechanical analysis, ideally with exposure across full spacecraft development cycles.

The Role

You will work across the mechanical and thermal architecture of the spacecraft, supporting development activities from concept and detailed design through to qualification, testing and in-orbit support.

This is a hands-on engineering role with involvement across analysis, design justification, supplier coordination and technical decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Define spacecraft mechanical and thermal architecture
• Perform thermomechanical analysis and support structural justification activities
• Work closely with platform and payload partners in a co-engineering environment
• Support calculations, simulations and architecture trade studies
• Validate mechanical and thermal vacuum test activities
• Support early operational phases and thermal monitoring activities
• Coordinate payload integration and spacecraft layout activities
• Participate in technical reviews, engineering meetings and reporting activities
• Produce and maintain technical documentation in French and English
• Work closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams across the flight segment

Candidate Profile

• Minimum 4 years of experience within the space industry
• Strong background in satellite mechanical architecture
• Experience with thermomechanical analysis and finite element justification
• Experience supporting spacecraft development programmes
• Comfortable working with suppliers and external engineering partners
• French and professional English language skills
• Experience with tools such as SOLIDWORKS, SIMCENTER 3D, NASTRAN or TMG
• Autonomous, collaborative and adaptable mindset

Nice to have

• Experience leading spacecraft mechanical architecture activities from design through to launch
• Mechanical and thermal calculation experience
• Exposure to spacecraft AIT and environmental testing activities

Why this role

• Join a growing European space engineering programme at an exciting stage of development
• Work on advanced Earth observation spacecraft technologies
• High level of ownership within a technically focused team
• Agile engineering environment with direct technical impact
• Long-term programme growth and development opportunities

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Alfie Walters