Space Systems Thermal Engineer – Satellite Thermal Control

About the role

The Space Systems Thermal Engineer will join Airbus DS Space Systems Spain’s Thermal Systems and Space Environment Engineering Team in Getafe. You will be responsible for the design, analysis and verification of spacecraft thermal control systems across the full engineering lifecycle, supporting satellites, instruments, platforms and launcher equipment.

Key responsibilities

• Define thermal requirements, design criteria and verification approaches for spacecraft.
• Develop and maintain thermal mathematical models for flight and test predictions using tools such as SYSTEMA/THERMICA and ESATAN‑TMS.
• Perform preliminary and detailed sizing of thermal control subsystems, including MLI, coatings, heaters and two‑phase heat transport systems.
• Support thermal test campaigns, including test preparation, prediction, data analysis and model correlation.
• Coordinate with system, mechanical, AIT, manufacturing and other engineering teams throughout the project.
• Contribute to proposal activities, concept studies and cost estimation.
• Provide technical support to subcontractors and suppliers and assist manufacturing, assembly, integration and test activities.
• Prepare and review technical documentation in line with ECSS and project requirements.

Required profile

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or a related discipline.
• 1‑3 years of experience in spacecraft thermal control design and analysis.
• Good knowledge of thermal control solutions such as MLI, thermal coatings, heaters and two‑phase heat transport systems.
• Experience with space thermal modelling tools (SYSTEMA/THERMICA, ESATAN‑TMS) and Python for data processing is a plus.

Required skills

• Thermal modelling tools: SYSTEMA/THERMICA, ESATAN‑TMS.
• Programming: Python (or similar) for analysis and post‑processing.
• Thermal control hardware: MLI, thermal coatings, heaters, two‑phase heat transport systems.
• Cryogenics (asset).
• CAD tools and engineering documentation.
• Requirement management.