We are hiring on behalf of a start-up aiming to develop and commercialize a breakthrough space propulsion technology for small satellites.
The result of over 10 years of research and development within a cutting-edge laboratory, their technology offers exceptional performance and promises significant commercial potential. Their team of around twenty people has already conducted extensive testing on prototypes in our lab, confirming the disruptive nature of their system.
To support their development efforts, they are hiring an Experienced CAD Designer & Mechanical Architect for a permanent position. In a dynamic and innovative environment, you will play a key role in the design, modeling, and validation of the mechanical and thermal systems of our ion thrusters, working closely with the systems, electronics, AIT and R&D teams.
Beyond your technical expertise, you will act as a technical lead and expert for the Mechanical-Thermal team, currently composed of three engineers. You will guide them in their missions, provide technical advice, and oversee mechanical and thermal design and analysis activities.
Main responsibilities:
– Oversee design activities including CAD modeling and technical drawings for our systems and
subsystems
– Define the mechanical and thermal architecture of the thrusters (structure, interfaces,
thermal envelope, heat dissipation, etc.)
– Perform or supervise simulations (FEA, mechanical and thermal analyses)
– Select materials and technologies suitable for the space environment (vacuum, vibration,
thermal constraints)
– Manage manufacturing launch and follow-up with suppliers and machining partners
– Provide technical guidance to the mechanical/thermal team and supervise their work
– Act as the main technical contact and reference expert on mechanical and thermal topics
– Write technical documentation: justification notes, drawings, test reports
– Oversee prototyping, assembly, integration, and environmental testing phases
– Participate in technical reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, etc.)
LOCATION
Position based in Palaiseau, France (91)
PROFILE REQUIRED
– Master’s degree or PhD in Mechanical, Thermal, or Aerospace Engineering
– 10+ years of proven experience in mechanical design, ideally in the space sector
– Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA) and simulation software (ANSYS, Abaqus, etc.)
– Good knowledge of ECSS/NASA standards and space environmental testing (thermal, vacuum,
vibration)
– Experience in thermal design and simulation is a plus
– Strong technical leadership, mentoring ability, autonomy
– Experience in a start-up or agile environment is a plus
You are autonomous, rigorous, and pragmatic. You are a team player and enjoy contributing in a fast-
paced, entrepreneurial setting.

