Senior Thermal Engineer

ALTEN; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Greater London is seeking a Senior Thermal Design Engineer to oversee spacecraft thermal control system design. This role involves leading the thermal design process, developing and validating thermal models, and supporting testing to ensure optimal performance. The ideal candidate has at least 10 years of experience in the space sector and proficiency in thermal analysis tools. A flexible working scheme is available, and the position offers competitive benefits and a chance to work on cutting-edge projects.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Pension scheme

Cycle-to-work scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in thermal design and analysis for space applications.
• Proven experience in space sector supporting spacecraft or satellite programs.
• Strong understanding of heat transfer mechanisms and thermal control design principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead thermal design and simulation process for spacecraft components.
• Build and validate detailed thermal models using engineering software.
• Plan and oversee environmental qualification tests.

Skills

Thermal design expertise

Analytical thinking

Proactive problem-solving

Team collaboration

Education

Degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Tools

ESATAN-TMS

Thermal Desktop

3-D CAD software

Job description

What will you be doing

We are seeking an experienced Senior Thermal Design Engineer to lead the design analysis and validation of spacecraft thermal control systems. You’ll play a key role in developing models that define control strategies and support testing to ensure mission‑critical performance and reliability. Working closely with multidisciplinary engineering teams you’ll help deliver innovative thermal solutions that meet the demanding requirements of space applications.

Your main responsibilities will be :

• Lead the end‑to‑end thermal design and simulation process for spacecraft components and subsystems.
• Build and validate detailed thermal models using specialist engineering software.
• Define and implement effective thermal control strategies using both active and passive methods such as heat pipes, radiators, insulation and heaters.
• Support all levels of testing from component evaluation to full spacecraft system trials.
• Plan and oversee environmental qualification tests, including thermal vacuum campaigns, and review results to verify performance.
• Participate in key engineering milestones, design reviews and technical discussions throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure all thermal systems comply with internal standards, performance targets and customer expectations.
• Work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams, including mechanical, systems, electrical and propulsion engineers, to ensure seamless integration.
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring less experienced engineers and encouraging best practice across the team.
• Produce and maintain high‑quality engineering documentation, including test procedures, reports, specifications and technical drawings.

Who are we looking for

You are a highly skilled engineer with a strong space industry background and confident in taking ownership of complex thermal challenges. You bring hands‑on experience in spacecraft design, excellent analytical thinking and a proactive approach to problem‑solving.

You are...

• Passionate about engineering
• Result‑oriented
• Proactive

Qualifications

• Proven experience working within the space sector supporting spacecraft or satellite programmes.
• Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Thermal Engineering or a closely related field (Master’s preferred).
• Approximately 10 years of experience in thermal design and analysis for space applications.
• Proficiency in thermal analysis tools (such as ESATAN‑TMS, Thermal Desktop or similar) and 3‑D CAD software.
• Strong understanding of heat transfer mechanisms, space environments and thermal control design principles.
• Experience planning and conducting thermal and environmental testing campaigns.
• Familiarity with flight hardware development and qualification processes.
• Excellent communication, documentation and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work autonomously while contributing effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Experience mentoring or technically guiding other engineers is advantageous.

Why join us

We foster a community of talented individuals who are both entrepreneurs and technology specialists. Our teams embody the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling us to develop solutions most efficiently. Our commitment to sustainable growth is unwavering and we continuously strive for accelerated transformation and continuous improvement. Through internal labs, mentoring programs, university partnerships and more, we’re always pushing boundaries and embracing new possibilities.

In short, you get

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
• A chance to work on the most exciting engineering projects and technologies alongside premium customers
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• A competitive salary
• Private medical insurance
• Pension scheme
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme and many additional benefits
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings and team building
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

This role may require you to obtain or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete the baseline personnel security standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, your employment may be delayed or rejected. Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.

Remote work: Yes

Employment type: Full‑time