Senior Thermal System Engineer

ICEYE; Espoo; On-site; EUR 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

ICEYE in Espoo, Finland is seeking a Senior Thermal System Engineer to lead spacecraft thermal design, modelling, and testing.

You will own thermal models, support qualification campaigns, and collaborate across electrical, mechanical, and AIT teams to ensure reliable space hardware from concept through qualification.

The role includes hybrid work, security screening, and close coordination with the Thermal Team Lead.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in thermal simulation as a Thermal Engineer in the space industry.
• Experience with TVAC testing and model correlation.
• Proactive, self-directed working style.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Based in Espoo; up to 30% remote work is acceptable for this role.
• Experience working in multi-disciplinary environments (electrical, AIT, mechanical, propulsion, RF).
• Experience with thermal control of satellites at system and subsystem level, or comparable complex aerospace systems.
• Comfortable working cross-functionally with systems, electrical, and manufacturing teams.
• Strong teamwork, documentation, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement full spacecraft-level thermal models for current and next-generation spacecraft.
• Specify and support qualification testing at subsystem and system level.
• Own thermal hardware end-to-end: propose new thermal design concepts to improve performance, identify new suppliers, and test and validate component designs.
• Perform thermal analysis of passive and active thermal control components, electrical assemblies, subsystems, and systems.
• Support assembly, integration, and test (AIT) activities, including maintenance of thermal control components.
• Support operations teams in resolving thermal issues during Launch and Early Orbit Operations (LEOP) and beyond.
• Ensure smooth, on-time product delivery from concept through qualification.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of our existing products.
• Partner closely with all hardware engineering domains, AIT engineering, and QA to ensure products meet specification.
• Work with system and subsystem engineers to define requirements for new products.
• Collaborate with internal and external engineering and AIT teams during integration and build to confirm thermal solutions meet requirements and targets.

Skills

Thermal simulation

TVAC testing

Troubleshooting

Analytical skills

Cross-functional work

Espoo based

Education

MSc in Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Systema-Thermica

ESATAN

Thermal Desktop

Job description

Role highlights:

• Senior Thermal System Engineer




• Location: Espoo, Finland




• Department: Spacecraft Hardware




• Reports to: Thermal Team Lead




• Employment type: Permanent




• Workplace model: Hybrid / Office




• Employment is subject to applicable security screening (incl. SUPO)

Why this role matters:

Every ICEYE satellite depends on precision engineering and rock-solid reliability. As we grow our operations and expand our spacecraft platforms to meet increasingly demanding mission requirements, we need an experienced spacecraft thermal control engineer to help lead this effort - someone who also brings hands‑on experience testing, verifying, and qualifying space hardware. You'll join our Espoo, Finland team as a Senior Thermal System Engineer, supporting the company's continued growth.

Your day-to-day responsibilities

• Design and implement full spacecraft‑level thermal models for current and next‑generation spacecraft




• Specify and support qualification testing at subsystem and system level




• Own thermal hardware end‑to‑end: propose new thermal design concepts to improve performance, identify new suppliers, and test and validate component designs




• Perform thermal analysis of passive and active thermal control components, electrical assemblies, subsystems, and systems




• Support assembly, integration, and test (AIT) activities, including maintenance of thermal control components




• Support operations teams in resolving thermal issues during Launch and Early Orbit Operations (LEOP) and beyond




• Ensure smooth, on‑time product delivery from concept through qualification




• Contribute to continuous improvement of our existing products




• Partner closely with all hardware engineering domains, AIT engineering, and QA to ensure products meet specification




• Work with system and subsystem engineers to define requirements for new products




• Collaborate with internal and external engineering and AIT teams during integration and build to confirm thermal solutions meet requirements and targets

What we’re looking for

Must haves:

• Extensive experience in thermal simulation as a Thermal Engineer in the space industry




• Experience with TVAC testing and model correlation




• Proactive, self‑directed working style




• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills




• Based in Espoo (most of the team works from Finland); up to 30% remote work is acceptable for this role




• Experience working in multi‑disciplinary environments (electrical, AIT, mechanical, propulsion, RF)




• Experience with thermal control of satellites at system and subsystem level, or comparable complex aerospace systems




• Comfortable working cross‑functionally with systems, electrical, and manufacturing teams




• Strong teamwork, analytical, documentation, and communication skills

Nice to haves:

• Hands‑on experience with spacecraft thermal hardware: surface treatments, MLI, passive and active thermal control components, heat pipes




• Experience with Systema‑Thermica, ESATAN, and/or Thermal Desktop




• MSc in Aerospace Engineering




• Knowledge of SAR satellite technology, lifecycles, and the space environment




• Experience with Python




• Familiarity with industry standards such as ECSS and NASA standards




• Solid understanding of spacecraft configurations, orbits, and STK

Benefits

Our benefits are designed to support your health and wellbeing, at work and beyond. We keep improving them based on employee feedback, and offerings vary by location. Talent Acquisition will confirm what applies for this role and location during the process.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We want ICEYE to be a place where people can be themselves and do great work. Different backgrounds and perspectives make us stronger, which is why we work to create an environment where people feel included, respected, and able to speak up. Whatever your background, we want you to bring your authentic self to the table.

We’re committed to fair, inclusive hiring and equal opportunity. Everyone is welcome to apply. If you need any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, tell us—we’ll do our best to help.