Senior FEA & Thermal Engineer

Super-Sharp Space Systems is an Earth-imaging company developing unfolding space telescopes to capture high-resolution thermal infrared (TIR) images of the earth. Our technology allows us to fit a large telescope in a small box, making low-cost, high-resolution, and frequent Earth-imaging possible. This makes powerful TIR space telescopes much more affordable while achieving 10x greater resolution than the current state-of-the-art solutions. The images captured by our space telescopes can be used for applications such as tackling climate change, crop monitoring, and maintaining global security. We are determined to offer high-quality affordable Earth-imaging solutions to empower our world in responding to global change.

We are seeking a Senior FEA & Thermal Engineer to lead advanced structural and thermal analysis efforts across mission-critical hardware.

Role Overview

This position is responsible for developing, executing, and validating structural and thermal models to support the design, test, and operation of space systems. The ideal candidate will have a proven background in spacecraft analysis, strong technical judgment, and the ability to interface across design, systems, and test engineering functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead structural and thermal analysis activities for spacecraft assemblies and subsystems.
• Develop high-fidelity finite element models and perform static, dynamic, and thermal simulations.
• Define and validate thermal control strategies using both passive and active components.
• Correlate analytical models with test data from vibration, thermal vacuum, and shock environments.
• Generate technical documentation to support design reviews, qualification, and flight certification.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure analysis is aligned with hardware implementation and system requirements.
• Contribute to the development of internal standards and methodologies for structural and thermal analysis.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace, or a related engineering discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in structural and thermal analysis.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in structural and thermal analysis for multibody assemblies (10+ components, not including fasteners).
• Proficiency with FEA and thermal analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of structural dynamics, thermal transport, and materials behaviour in space environments.
• Knowledge of thermal control system design, including radiators, insulation, and heaters.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver accurate, validated analysis that supports hardware design and qualification.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing clear and concise technical documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace, or a related engineering discipline.
• Experience in structural and thermal analysis within the aerospace or space sector.
• Ansys Mechanical proficient user (bonus software packages: FEMAP/NASTRAN, ESATAN).
• 2 years of usage of SpaceClaim for CAD manipulation within Ansys.
• Experience supporting spaceflight hardware through development, test, and launch.
• Familiarity with aerospace standards (ECSS, NASA-STD, MIL-STD).
• Experience with CAD tools and scripting languages (e.g. SolidWorks, Python), with an emphasis on scripting for Ansys data and results manipulation.
• Familiarity with FEA results export for ZEMAX usage.

What SuperSharp Offers

• High-impact role on mission-critical hardware.
• Opportunities for technical leadership and career growth.
• Private Medical Healthcare.
• Company Pension Plan and contribution.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working (dependent on role).
• Holiday Allowance 25 days (plus UK bank holidays).
• Annual Professional Development allowance.
• Cycle to Work & Tech Purchase Schemes.
• Team Socials & Community Events.

To apply, please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience.