Thermal Engineer, Spacecraft and Payload

Who are we?

ICEYE is the global leader in synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology, revolutionizing Earth observation with real-time, all-weather, day-and-night imaging. As the owner and operator of the world’s largest SAR satellite constellation, we provide critical insights that empower industries like maritime, disaster management, insurance, and finance to make informed decisions.

Headquartered in Finland, with a presence in five international locations, our diverse team of 600+ experts from nearly 60 countries shares a bold mission: to enhance life on Earth by delivering reliable, data-driven solutions. At ICEYE, we foster a culture of curiosity, innovation, and collaboration, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space technology to solve the world’s toughest challenges.

Why Join ICEYE?

At ICEYE, we’re not just launching satellites, we’re redefining what’s possible with SAR technology. Join a team of passionate innovators solving real-world challenges and making a tangible impact. We foster a dynamic and inclusive environment where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your contributions truly matter. With continuous learning opportunities, cutting-edge projects, and collaboration with industry-leading experts, you'll have the chance to grow, innovate, and shape the future of Earth Observation.We are looking for a Thermal Engineer experienced in spacecraft thermal design, simulation and analysis as well as testing, qualification and model validation. Ideally a person who has been involved in designing and building satellite platforms and payloads requiring precise thermal control and stabilization as well as who participated in components selection (working with manufacturers and contractors) and environmental (thermal balance / TVAC) testing. In this role you will be involved in the technical activities focused on development of the new satellite platform and payload enhancing ICEYE future capabilities.

Why You Will Love This Role?

We are looking for a Thermal Engineer experienced in spacecraft thermal design, simulation and analysis as well as testing, qualification and model validation. Ideally a person who has been involved in designing and building satellite platforms and payloads requiring precise thermal control and stabilization as well as who participated in components selection (working with manufacturers and contractors) and environmental (thermal balance / TVAC) testing. In this role you will be involved in the technical activities focused on development of the new satellite platform and payload enhancing ICEYE future capabilities.

What You Will Do in This Role:

• Be a key founding member of the small team responsible for 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 interfaces between bus and payload. Due to the nature of the project and size of the founding “tiger team”, it’s expected to actively (hands-on) participate in the thermal hardware assembly and other engineering activities (thermal testing, cooperation with other team members).
• Drive thermal design and simulations of a next generation satellite,
• Perform thermal analysis and simulations of satellite at system level,
• Collaborate with subcontractors during development phase,
• Specify and support qualification tests at system level, making sure the thermal performance meets requirements,
• Take ownership of thermal hardware: propose new concepts of thermal design to optimize thermal performance, propose new suppliers, test, and validate the design,
• Support assembly, integration, and test activities: maintain thermal control component definition and specify qualification tests.

Requirements

What You Will Need to be Successful:

• Expert knowledge and hands-on skills of spacecraft thermal design, analysis and optimization during all phases of the project from the concept up to qualification and integration..
• Familiarity with the material science and engineering being able to guide material selection and analysis for the space environment (outgassing, thermal cycling, thermoelastic effects). Experience of structural and thermo-mechanical analyses is mandatory.
• Familiarity with testing, especially TVAC and/or thermal balance and pre-launch qualification campaigns and model correlation.
• Experience in precise thermal stability control domain.
• Embracing the challenge, mindset of owni