Head of Discipline - Mechanical and Thermal Engineering

Governments and private industry rely on us to create satellite‑based systems that provide trusted, anytime‑anywhere connectivity and positioning—helping care for our planet, manage its resources thoughtfully, and explore our Solar System with curiosity and purpose. We view space as a new horizon for collective progress, shaping a more sustainable life on Earth. As a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space partners with Telespazio through the Space Alliance to deliver a full suite of integrated solutions and services.

We are looking for an experienced Head of Discipline – Mechanical and Thermal to lead and develop its Mechanical and Thermal Engineering function. This is a strategic leadership role, responsible for shaping technical direction, building team capability, and ensuring engineering delivery supports current projects, bids, and future growth.

You will lead a high‑performing team working on complex space systems, driving innovation, resource planning, and continuous improvement while collaborating closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and customers. The role combines technical depth, people leadership, and commercial awareness in a fast‑moving, high‑impact environment.

• Define and execute the strategic vision for the Mechanical and Thermal Engineering team.
• Lead recruitment, team structure, training, performance management, and succession planning.
• Own headcount forecasting and resource planning across projects, bids, and studies.
• Drive technical innovation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prepare and review project and bid estimates.
• Define, track, and improve key performance indicators.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience in a comparable engineering leadership or management role.
• Deep expertise in at least one core area: design, structural, or thermal engineering.
• Strong background in resource planning, delivery, and execution.
• Knowledge of the space environment, requirements, and standards.

• Strategic thinker with a strong future focus.
• Confident in challenging the status quo and developing team capability.
• Accountable, resilient, and decisive with a strong bias for action.
• Collaborative across geographically separated teams and external partners.
• Supportive leader who mentors, develops, and empowers others.

• Engineering delivery achieved on time and within budget.
• Effective resourcing of projects, bids, and technical studies.
• Strong team performance, development, and succession planning.

• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00
• 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with opportunity to buy up to 40 hours/year (pro rata)
• 24 hours volunteering paid for
• Life cover
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.