Senior Thermal Engineer

Role highlights:

• Senior Thermal Engineer
• Location: Warsaw, Poland
• Department: Engineering/Optical Systems
• Reports to: Engineering Lead, Mechanical Engineering
• Employment type: Permanent
• Workplace model: Hybrid
• Employment is subject to applicable security screening (incl. SUPO, where required)

Why this role matters:

As a Thermal Engineer, you will own the thermal design of ICEYE's next generation satellite platform and its imaging payload, making sure both stay within temperature limits and hold the precise thermal stability the instrument needs. Working hands-on across simulation, hardware, and test, you will drive thermal analysis at system level, take ownership of thermal control hardware from concept and supplier selection through validation, and guide material choices for the space environment. As a founding member of a small team, you will follow the design through every stage of the product lifecycle, from concept and prototyping to assembly, integration, TVAC and thermal balance testing, qualification, and in-orbit validation.

Your day-to-day responsibilities

• Be a key founding member of the small team responsible for the spacecraft systems lifecycle, from design up to in-orbit validation. The team will bring the design into full production, commissioning, and operations of the imaging instrument, including all phases along the way: testing, qualification, verification, and iterating on necessary steps.
• Be a technical leader for thermal design and optimization of the satellite platform and the interfaces between bus and payload. Due to the nature of the project and the size of the founding "tiger team," you're expected to actively (hands-on) participate in thermal hardware assembly and other engineering activities, including thermal testing and close cooperation with other team members.
• Drive thermal design and simulation of the next-generation satellite, performing thermal analysis at the system level.
• Collaborate with subcontractors during the development phase.
• Specify and support qualification tests at the system level, making sure thermal performance meets requirements.
• Take ownership of thermal hardware: propose new concepts to optimize thermal performance, propose new suppliers, and test and validate the design.
• Support assembly, integration, and test activities: maintain thermal control component definitions and specify qualification tests.

What we’re looking for

Must haves:

• Expert knowledge and hands-on skills in spacecraft thermal design, analysis, and optimization, across all phases of the project from concept up to qualification and integration.
• Familiarity with material science and engineering, able to guide material selection and analysis for the space environment (outgassing, thermal cycling, thermoelastic effects). Experience with structural and thermo-mechanical analysis is required.
• Familiarity with testing methods such as TVAC and/or thermal balance testing, including pre-launch qualification campaigns and model correlation.
• Experience in precise thermal stability control.
• Embracing the challenge, with a mindset of owning problems and solving them, and the capability of taking risks and leaning forward when needed. R&D style of learning by doing and iterating on the parts that require improvement.
• Hands-on experience with thermal spacecraft hardware: heat pipes, surface treatments, MLI, and active thermal control components.
• Knowledge of Systema-Thermica, ESATAN, Thermal Desktop, and/or Simcenter 3D.
• Good understanding of spacecraft dynamics, orbital movement, and orbit evolution.

Nice to have:

• Experience with thermal design for high-precision optical systems and/or high-precision actuated systems.
• Experience with thermal aspects of electric propulsion systems.
• Experience with vacuum and cryogenic applications and materials used in the aerospace industry.

Working at ICEYE

At ICEYE, you’ll join a diverse and highly engaged team united by the ambition to make the impossible possible. As a global scale-up, we combine speed and ambition with the opportunity to take real ownership from day one. Your growth, wellbeing, and success are a priority, with continuous professional development, training opportunities, and a culture where collaboration is how we win.

Benefits

• Our benefits are designed to support your health and wellbeing, at work and beyond. We keep improving them based on employee feedback, and offerings vary by location. Talent Acquisition will confirm what applies for this role and location during the process.

• Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

• We want ICEYE to be a place where people can be themselves and do great work. Different backgrounds and perspectives make us stronger, which is why we work to create an environment where people feel included, respected, and able to speak up. Whatever your background, we want you to bring your authentic self to the table.

• We’re committed to fair, inclusive hiring and equal opportunity. Everyone is welcome to apply. If you need any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, tell us—we’ll do our best to help.

• Apply now to start your ICEYE journey, and help us continue to make the impossible possible together. Read more about ICEYE and working with us at iceye.com.