Senior Thermal & Fluidics Engineer – Plant Growth Systems

Interstellar Lab Inc; Paris; On-site; EUR 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Interstellar Lab seeks a Senior Thermal and Fluidics Systems Engineer (CEA) to design and optimize controlled environment systems for plant growth on Earth and in space. You will shape air, water, nutrient, gas, and thermal regulation, coordinating with mechanical, electrical, and software teams from concept through commissioning.

The role demands a strong background in thermal engineering, fluid dynamics, and process control, with hands-on experience in irrigation and hydroponics.

Qualifications

• Requires a degree in mechanical, chemical, process, or environmental engineering.
• 6+ years of experience with controlled environment systems, CEA, HVAC, or industrial fluid processes.
• Strong expertise in thermal engineering, fluid dynamics, and process control.
• Hands-on irrigation, fertigation, hydroponic or aeroponic experience.
• Experience with air treatment and gas handling systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer controlled environment systems for plant growth across air, water, nutrients, and thermal regulation.
• Develop irrigation, fertigation, filtration, and water treatment solutions.
• Create air handling, humidity control, CO2/O2 management, and airflow systems.
• Lead thermal management for enclosures, canopies, and root zones.
• Perform mass and energy balances at system level.
• Specify sensors, actuators, and control strategies for environmental regulation.
• Produce P&IDs, sizing calculations, and technical specifications; support commissioning and testing.

Skills

Thermal engineering

Fluid dynamics

Process control

Irrigation & fertigation

Air treatment & humidity control

Hydroponic/aeroponic systems

English fluent

French a plus

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Chemical/Process/Environmental Engineering

Job description

Interstellar Lab seeks a Senior Thermal and Fluidics Systems Engineer (CEA) to design and optimize controlled environment systems for plant growth on Earth and in space. You will shape air, water, nutrient, gas, and thermal regulation, coordinating with mechanical, electrical, and software teams from concept through commissioning.

The role demands a strong background in thermal engineering, fluid dynamics, and process control, with hands-on experience in irrigation and hydroponics.