Thermal Space Engineer - Lead

ALTEN is a global engineering and technology consultancy operating across over 35 countries worldwide. We partner with industry leaders across sectors including Aeronautics, Aerospace, Defence, Naval, Automotive, Energy, Rail, IT and many more to deliver innovative engineering solutions that drive technological advancement & support sustainable transformation.

Our teams of passionate and agile engineers work on cutting-edge projects that shape the future of technology and sustainability. At ALTEN, we empower talented engineers to innovate, solve complex challenges, and deliver impactful solutions that build tomorrow’s world—today.

Join us and start building tomorrow’s world today!

As a Thermal Space Engineer Lead, you will join our team in Stevenage to support our activities within the Space sector. 

You will take ownership of the complete thermal system architecture for spacecraft and satellite programmes. Operating at system level, you will define, develop, and validate thermal control strategies to ensure mission success within the harsh space environment where radiation is the dominant heat transfer mechanism.

This role requires proven experience within space programmes — aerospace-only backgrounds will not be suitable.

• Location: Stevenage
• On Site: Hybrid
• Clearance: Clearable
• Experience Level: Mid- Level  to Senior

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and own the thermal control system (TCS) architecture for spacecraft or satellite platforms
• Lead thermal modelling and analysis across full mission profiles
• Develop thermal design solutions including radiators, MLI, coatings, heat pipes, and conductive interfaces
• Ensure compliance with ECSS and programme-specific standards
• Support environmental test campaigns including thermal vacuum (TVAC)
• Interface with systems, structural, AIT, and payload teams to ensure integrated thermal performance
• Provide technical leadership and oversight across the thermal discipline

Required Skills:

• Demonstrable experience working on spacecraft, satellite, or space system programmes
• Strong expertise in radiative heat transfer and thermal balance in space environments
• Experience defining full thermal system architecture at platform level
• Proven experience with thermal modelling and analysis tools
• Deep understanding of space environmental constraints (vacuum, radiation, orbital cycling)

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, or equivalent military experience.
• Significant experience within space programmes (LEO, GEO, deep space, or equivalent)

Desirable Skills:

• Experience leading thermal design for flight hardware
• Familiarity with ECSS standards
• Experience supporting qualification and environmental test campaigns
• Knowledge of material selection, outgassing, and contamination control for space applications

Why join us? 

We bring together entrepreneurial, tech-driven people to deliver innovative solutions for leading companies.

At ALTEN, you’ll work on exciting projects, supported by ongoing learning, mentoring, and clear career development tailored to your goals.

Join a passionate team and help build tomorrow, today.

In short you get: 

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style 
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle & Tech Scheme 
• Employee assistance programme
• Life insurance & Pension Scheme
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings & team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

We are proud to support the Armed Forces Covenant & actively encourage applications from members of the Armed Forces community, including veterans, reservists, service leavers, and military spouses/partners. We recognise the value of military skills and experience and are committed to ensuring that no applicant is unfairly disadvantaged during our recruitment and selection processes. 

ALTEN is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and values the strength that comes from a global mix of backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of background or protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

This role may require you to have or be willing to go through Security Clearance. As part of the onboarding process candidates will be asked to complete a Baseline Personnel Security Standard; details of the evidence required to apply may be found on the government website Gov.UK. If you are unable to meet this and any associated criteria, then your employment may be delayed, or rejected . Details of this will be discussed with you at interview.