At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of spacecraft structures and thermal systems for in-orbit services.
- Company: Join Lúnasa, a pioneering NewSpace company transforming satellite technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with high ownership and autonomy.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in space engineering and work on cutting-edge projects.
- Qualifications: Strong background in mechanical and thermal engineering with hands-on experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Lúnasa is a UK-based NewSpace company (acquired by Infinite Orbits) building advanced and autonomous systems and satellites for in‑orbit satellite services. Our mission is to provide geostationary operators with all the in‑orbit services they need, from the inspection of their assets to the extension of their lifespan and the management of the end‑of‑life phase.
Location: London (on‑site). This position is for a candidate who has the right to work in the UK. The applicant must be able to obtain UK national security clearance.
In this role, as a Mechanical and Thermal Engineer, you will lead the design, analysis, and development of spacecraft structures and thermal systems across the full lifecycle, from early trade studies and preliminary design through detailed design, manufacturing, and verification. You will work closely with systems, avionics, and AIT teams to ensure robust, flight‑ready hardware, and play a key role during integration, testing, and delivery. This is a hands‑on, high‑ownership role in a fast‑paced environment. You will be expected to make critical design decisions, solve complex engineering challenges, and directly contribute to hardware that will operate in orbit. The ideal candidate is comfortable working across disciplines, thrives in ambiguity, and is motivated by building real space systems end‑to‑end.
Key Skills and Experience:
- Strong background in spacecraft mechanical and thermal engineering, with hands‑on experience across the full lifecycle (concept → design → build → test)
- Proven experience in mechanical design of space hardware, including structures, mechanisms, and/or payload integration
- Solid understanding of thermal control systems (passive and active), including thermal modelling and analysis
- Experience with FEA and thermal analysis tools (e.g. ANSYS, Nastran, Thermal Desktop, ESATAN, or similar)
- Proficiency in CAD design (e.g. SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or similar), including manufacturing‑ready drawings and assemblies
- End‑to‑end ownership mindset: able to take a subsystem from early concept through to flight hardware
- Strong analytical thinking with the ability to translate requirements into robust engineering solutions
- Comfortable operating with high autonomy and responsibility in an evolving environment
- Excellent problem‑solving skills, especially under constraints and ambiguity
- Clear and structured communication, both written and verbal
Mechanical & Thermal Engineer employer: Lúnasa Ltd.
Lúnasa is an exceptional employer for those passionate about space technology, offering a dynamic work environment in London where innovation thrives. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to take ownership of their projects and contribute to cutting-edge satellite systems that make a real impact in the NewSpace industry. The collaborative culture fosters creativity and problem-solving, making it an ideal place for engineers looking to advance their careers while working on meaningful and challenging projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical & Thermal Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the aerospace and engineering sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend webinars, and don’t hesitate to slide into DMs for advice or insights about Lúnasa and similar companies.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your mechanical and thermal engineering knowledge. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with spacecraft systems and showcase your problem-solving skills through real-life examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your projects! Create a portfolio that highlights your work on spacecraft structures and thermal systems. Include CAD designs, analysis results, and any successful projects that demonstrate your end-to-end ownership mindset.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t just apply anywhere; apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission at Lúnasa.
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical & Thermal Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Mechanical & Thermal Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in spacecraft mechanical and thermal engineering, and don’t forget to mention any hands-on projects that showcase your skills in design, analysis, and development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about working with Lúnasa and how your background aligns with our mission. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work across disciplines.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We want to see your technical prowess! Make sure to include your experience with FEA and thermal analysis tools, as well as your proficiency in CAD design. If you’ve worked on any relevant projects, give us the details to show how you’ve applied these skills in real-world scenarios.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company and what we do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lúnasa Ltd.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of spacecraft mechanical and thermal engineering. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with the full lifecycle of space hardware, from concept to testing. Highlight specific projects where you've made critical design decisions or solved complex engineering challenges.
✨Show Off Your Tools
Familiarise yourself with the FEA and thermal analysis tools mentioned in the job description, like ANSYS or Thermal Desktop. If you've used these tools before, be prepared to share examples of how they helped you achieve successful outcomes in your projects.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since clear communication is key in this role, practice explaining your past projects and technical concepts in a structured way. Think about how you can convey complex ideas simply and effectively, both verbally and in writing, as this will demonstrate your ability to work across disciplines.
✨Embrace the Challenge
This position requires someone who thrives in ambiguity and takes ownership. Prepare to discuss times when you've had to navigate uncertainty or make decisions with limited information. Show them that you're not just comfortable with challenges, but that you actually enjoy tackling them head-on.
