At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop spacecraft mechanical systems for sustainable space operations.
- Company: Join ClearSpace, a leader in sustainable space exploration and debris removal.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, innovative projects, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities to mentor and lead engineering excellence.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission to revolutionise space sustainability and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in spacecraft development with strong leadership and technical skills.
The predicted salary is between 45068 - 55083 £ per year.
At Clear Space, we believe in reusability, in affordability driving disruption, and that no progress is real unless it is sustainable.
Our company was founded in 2018 out of the realization that in-orbit servicing and space debris removal are vital services for the future of space exploration and operations.
Today Clear Space has assembled an expert engineering team and is leading the way toward sustainable space operations.
From a garage in Switzerland, we now operate across UK and Europe, and are working with world-leading institutions and companies to bring our dream of a sustainable space ecosystem to life.
We are looking for a Spacecraft Mechanical Architect to join our team !
The Role
The successful candidate will be a key member of the Mechanical, Thermal and Propulsion (MTP) team and will be responsible for the design and development, and supporting procurement, testing and verification of the spacecraft mechanical subsystem.
The Mechanical Architect will own the overall spacecraft thermo-mechanical architecture and serve as the primary technical focal point for all mechanical, thermal, propulsion or harness accommodation related topics.
There is also an opportunity for the right candidate to act as the lead coordinator for the Mechanical, Thermal, and Propulsion domains on the mission, ensuring coherent spacecraft design solutions.
Key responsibilities
- Own and maintain the spacecraft mechanical architecture from concept development through launch and operations.
- Lead the definition and management of the spacecraft mechanical design, including primary and secondary structures, payload accommodation and mechanical interfaces.
- Support multidisciplinary trade-offs affecting spacecraft mass, stiffness, thermal performance, dynamic behaviour, deployable systems and manufacturability.
- Ensure consistency between spacecraft configuration, accommodation, accessibility, assembly and integration constraints.
- Lead the definition and management of spacecraft mechanical interfaces, including payload, launcher, separation system, ground support equipment and AIT interfaces.
- Coordinate structural, mechanical and thermo-elastic analyses necessary to justify the design.
- Support subsystem design reviews and ensure that MTP-related design decisions are technically sound, traceable and compliant with mission requirements.
- Define the mechanical verification philosophy and ensure successful execution of qualification and acceptance activities.
- Support anomaly investigations, non-conformance reviews and root cause analyses related to MTP equipment and assemblies.
- Act as the primary technical interface for customers, partners and suppliers on mechanical architecture topics.
- Mentor engineers within the MTP team and promote engineering excellence and best practices.
- Must Have
- 10+ years of experience in spacecraft development, including significant involvement in spacecraft platform design.
- Proven experience leading spacecraft mechanical architecture or equivalent senior technical roles on complex space projects.
- Strong expertise in spacecraft structures, mechanical layouts and payload accommodation.
- Experience defining and managing spacecraft mechanical interfaces and configuration evolution.
- Strong understanding of structural analysis, dynamic environments, launch loads and qualification approaches.
- Experience balancing technical, programmatic and schedule constraints to drive design decisions.
- Proven capability to coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams and drive technical convergence.
- Experience supporting spacecraft integration, environmental testing and verification campaigns.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to present and defend technical solutions before customers and review boards.
- Proven track record of successful delivery of complex spacecraft developments.
- Nice to have
- MSc or Ph D in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Engineering or similar.
- Experience with active debris removal, rendezvous and proximity operations or servicing spacecraft.
- Experience with deployable structures and mechanisms.
- Familiarity with ECSS standards and ESA projects.
- Knowledge of thermal and propulsion subsystem design drivers.
- Experience working with international suppliers and industrial partners.
- Strong mentoring and technical leadership experience.
- Agile and adaptable mindset within fast-moving development programmes.
Information about our data processing is set out in our candidate data privacy notice.
Spacecraft Mechanical Architect in London employer: clearspace
At ClearSpace, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises sustainability and innovation in the space industry. As a People Operations Intern, you'll gain invaluable hands-on experience in HR operations while contributing to meaningful projects that shape the future of space exploration. With opportunities for personal growth and development, alongside a supportive team environment, ClearSpace is an excellent employer for those looking to make a real impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Spacecraft Mechanical Architect in London
✨Join Aerospace Forums and Groups
Get involved in aerospace engineering forums and online communities, like the AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics). It's a great way to meet industry peers and stay updated on job openings and trends in the field.
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye on upcoming aerospace conferences and events where you can network with professionals and showcase your interest. Events like the Farnborough International Airshow are not just about flying machines; they're a goldmine for connections and potential job leads.
✨Spotlight Your Projects
Make sure to highlight any hands-on experience or projects on your portfolio that showcase your skills in aerospace engineering. Employers love seeing practical applications of theoretical knowledge. Show us what you've got!
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
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We think you need these skills to ace Spacecraft Mechanical Architect in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for the aerospace engineering role at clearspace, make sure to highlight your technical expertise. Include specific software skills, like CAD tools or simulation software, and any relevant engineering projects you’ve worked on. This is your chance to really shine and showcase your engineering toolkit!
Don't Skip Your Projects!:Include a section in your CV dedicated to projects that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities in aerospace engineering. Whether it's a university project, an internship, or personal work, we love seeing how you’ve applied your skills in real-world scenarios. Make it clear what your role was and the impact of the project.
Show Your Passion in Your Cover Letter:At clearspace, we're not just looking for skills – we want to know why you’re passionate about aerospace engineering. Use your cover letter to express what excites you about aviation technology and your career goals. Share any relevant experiences or inspirations that have led you to apply for this full-time position.
Tailor Your CV for Aerospace:Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to aerospace engineering. Focus on your education, any certifications, and your work experience, ensuring you highlight aspects that relate directly to the role. Don’t forget to mention any internships or apprenticeships that have given you hands-on experience.
How to prepare for a job interview at clearspace
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Aerospace engineering is all about technical precision, so make sure you’re comfortable with key concepts like aerodynamics, propulsion, and materials science. We recommend going through any relevant coursework or projects you’ve worked on – these real-world examples can illustrate your understanding during the interview with clearspace.
✨Showcase Your Projects with Confidence
Make sure to have a portfolio ready that details any significant projects you've worked on, whether it’s a group assignment or a personal endeavour. Be prepared to discuss the challenges you faced, the tools you used, like CAD software, and what you learned from the experience, as this will show your problem-solving skills in action.
✨Prepare for Technical Interviews
Expect some technical questions or even problem-solving exercises during your interview with clearspace. Get familiar with design challenges or theoretical problems related to aerospace; this can range from calculating lift and drag forces to materials selection under stress. Practising these can help you feel more at ease when faced with tricky questions.
✨Emphasise Your Passion and Teamwork Skills
As a full-time candidate, it’s crucial to convey your passion for aerospace engineering and your ability to work in teams. Highlight any group projects or internships you've done, focusing on how you collaborated with others to achieve a goal. Companies like clearspace love seeing candidates who not only have technical skills but also fit well within their team culture.
