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
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Lúnasa Ltd..
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Lúnasa Ltd. love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Lúnasa Ltd. and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical & Thermal Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Lúnasa Ltd. and the Mechanical & Thermal Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lúnasa Ltd.
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Lúnasa Ltd..
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Lúnasa Ltd..
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Lúnasa Ltd., making you a more appealing candidate.
