Thermo-mechanical Engineer

The Exploration Company

Here at The Exploration Company, we are developing, producing, and operating Nyx, a modular and reusable space orbital vehicle that can eventually be refuelled in orbit and that can carry cargo - and potentially humans in the longer run. We are looking for a CAD Design Engineer with a strong focus on Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) who will also actively support spacecraft structure design activities. The role covers preliminary to detailed design, with an emphasis on TPS - structure integration and overall vehicle coherence. 🛠️ KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: * Contribute to the CAD design of the Thermal Protection System (TPS) using Siemens NX, from early architectural concepts to detailed definition. * Support the CAD design and maturation of primary and secondary spacecraft structures, in close connection with TPS needs and constraints. * Define and model TPS elements and ensure their structural integration with the vehicle. * Contribute to the definition and maturation of the overall vehicle physical architecture, including aeroshape, structure, and subsystem accommodation. * Iterate and mature CAD models based on thermo-mechanical analysis loops, structural analyses, material trade-offs, and system-level constraints. * Ensure robust interfaces between TPS, structures, and subsystems (avionics, propulsion, mechanisms, etc.). * Collaborate closely with thermal and structural analysts, materials and manufacturing engineers to converge on feasible and robust design solutions. * Support material and thickness definition for both TPS and structural parts, considering thermal, mechanical, and manufacturing requirements. * Maintain configuration management of CAD models and associated data. * Contribute to mass estimation and tracking for TPS and structural elements, supported by the CAD models and system databases. * Participate in co-engineering sessions with system, aerodynamics, GNC, propulsion, avionics, and mission analysis teams to assess feasibility, margins, and integration constraints. * Define volume allocations, clearances, and interface envelopes for TPS and structural parts. * Contribute to the continuous improvement of CAD methods, design rules, and integration processes. * Produce technical drawings and documentation, and actively participate in design reviews (PDR, CDR, etc.). WHAT WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE FROM YOU QUALIFICATIONS: * Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering, * Minimum of 3 years of experience in CAD design for spacecraft structures, thermal protection systems, or closely related domains, * Experience with CAD software's such as Siemens NX (preferably), * Strong knowledge of aerospace vehicle design and associated challenges, * Good understanding of composite material design and manufacturing, * Fluent in English. German, French or Italian are an asset. SKILLS AND BEHAVIORS: * Strong oral and written communication skills, * Strong analysis and problem-solving skills, * Strong organising and prioritisation of tasks, * Positive and flexible attitude to get the job done, * Demonstrates behaviours consistent with The Exploration Company’s core values of Vision, Mission, Teamwork, Integrity and Excellence. Why you should join us! What makes us special here at The Exploration Company and why we think you will enjoy working here is:   * We’re Agile - we make decisions fast whilst keeping our goals and systems in mind  * We’re Open and Collaborative - we are transparent about risks and obstacles, so that we can cooperate to overcome them   * We have a lot of Fun - we refuel our energy knowing we are democratising space. It’s a wonderful and rare opportunity, are YOU up for the challenge?   We'd love to hear from you if you wish to be a part of our journey. Please submit your CV now for immediate consideration and we will be in touch shortly.    The Exploration Company is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Relocation assistance is provided for those willing to relocate including visa sponsorship where applicable.   All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be subject to the country, role, and project you applied for. By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that any offer of employment may be conditional upon successful condition of this check. The Exploration Company partners with Zinc Work Limited located in the UK (Zinc), a third-party provider, to ensure this process as efficient and transparent as possible. If applicable, you will receive an email from Zinc upon acceptance of your offer with a link to a secure portal where you can provide the required information to Zinc.

cosine

YOUR (SPACE) MISSION As the Thermo-Mechanical Engineer at cosine you help shape the next generation of space-borne optical instruments that push the boundaries of Earth observation and planetary science. Working form the cosine headquarter, you contribute to missions that will fly on satellites and asteroid explorers, where performance, precision, and reliability are critical for success in orbit. You join an international team with a start-up mindset, where engineering decisions directly influence hardware that will operate in the most demanding environment imaginable: space. From early design choices to final qualification testing, your work ensures that our instruments survive launch and perform flawlessly in orbit, enabling new scientific discoveries and commercial applications in the rapidly evolving New Space sector. TASKS & RESPONSIBILITIES In this role you will: * Lead and contribute to the thermo-mechanical design of high-precision optical instruments for space applications * Perform thermal and structural analyses to ensure performance under launch and orbital conditions * Support the full development cycle from concept design through to assembly, integration, and qualification testing * Collaborate closely with optical, mechanical, and system engineers in an international multidisciplinary team * Contribute to solving complex engineering challenges in a fast-paced, project-driven environment YOUR PROFILE We are looking for candidates with the following qualifications: * A Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field * Experience in thermo-mechanical design and analysis, ideally within space, aerospace, or high-tech precision engineering * Strong understanding of thermal and structural behavior of complex systems under extreme conditions * Hands-on mindset with experience in hardware development, integration, and testing * Ability to work effectively in small, international teams with a proactive and collaborative attitude * Strong communication skills in English, both written and spoken WHAT WE OFFER At cosine, we highly value our employees, and we will support your professional and personal development. We also provide our employees with: * A unique, international working environment at the intersection of physics and engineering  * The opportunity to deliver end-to-end solutions in autonomous project teams, in close collaboration with customers * A competitive salary * 27 days of annual leave (based on full-time employment)  * Annual bonus based on personal and company performance * Hybrid working options, including the possibility to work partially from home  * Company bicycle- and fitness plan  * A personal development budget  * Initial one-year contract with the intention of a long-term collaboration based on mutual satisfaction  ABOUT COSINE Founded in 1998, cosine is a world-leading developer of space instrumentation and measurement systems, making the invisible measurable and the complex actionable. Its expertise spans High-Energy Optics, including optics developed for ESA's future NewAthena X-ray observatory, as well as remote sensing solutions for Earth Observation and planetary science. With over 25 years of experience and advanced cleanroom and assembly facilities across the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy, cosine brings deep scientific and engineering expertise to some of the most demanding missions in space and on Earth. What makes cosine a unique place to work is that your work goes end-to-end: from concept and design to building, testing, and delivering hardware that actually flies in space. You work in small, highly skilled teams where you have real ownership and impact, alongside experts in optics, physics, nanofabrication, and systems engineering.  cosine is committed to providing an inclusive and equal opportunities work environment where everyone can thrive. As a proud member of the Women in Aerospace community, we recognise the importance of diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in the workplace.

CERN

Ideal start date: 01/10/2026 Contract duration (in months): 48 Grade range: 6 Benchmark job: 200090 - Mechanical Engineer Job flexibility: Fully Onsite Team supervision What you'll do: You will play a key role in the design, prototyping, construction, and integration of the mechanical structures and services for the innermost region of the CMS detector at CERN. This includes beam-pipe support structures, tracker bulkheads, beam-luminosity and beam-background monitors, and their associated services. The work will culminate in the equipment installation and commissioning at the end of the Long Shutdown 3 of the LHC. Your responsibilities: - Prepare 3D models and technical drawings and perform thermo-mechanical analyses of complex mechanical components and assemblies. - Contribute to component procurement and oversee fabrication of mechanical parts, including related quality assurance. - Lead and supervise the assembly of mock-ups, prototypes, and final versions of support structures for the CMS innermost region. - Assist with the integration and testing of the Inner Tracker and Luminosity Monitors at CERN. - Support and supervise colleagues from collaborating institutes participating in integration activities at CERN. Your profile: - Proven experience in design of complex mechanical components and assemblies using 3D CAD tools. - Experience with structural and thermal simulations using finite-element analysis. - Experience in construction, assembly, and quality control of mechanical systems. - Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, establishing and maintaining constructive and effective working relationships with a diverse range of colleagues. - Master's Degree or equivalent relevant experience in the field of Mechanical Engineering or a related field. Your skills: - Design and analysis of mechanical structures. - Production of 2D drawings and 3D models. - Knowledge and application of numerical modelling in solid mechanics. - Manufacturing of mechanical parts. - Builds and maintains constructive and effective work relationships. - Shares knowledge and expertise freely and willingly with others; coaches others to ensure knowledge transfer. - Creates a common mind-set and promotes team spirit. - Spoken and written English, with a commitment to learn French. Employment conditions: - A valid driving licence. - Shift work, when required by the needs of the Organization. - Work in Radiation Areas. - Interventions in underground installations. - Work during nights, Sundays and official holidays, when required by the needs of the Organization. For full job description and application process please visit the following website: https://careers.cern/jobs/mechanical-engineer-cms-innermost-region/