Thermo-Mechanical Analysis Engineer

MaiaSpace is a European space tech company, designing, manufacturing and operating competitive and sustainable solutions for space mobility. We are driven by the belief that access to space is a major enabler for a better and more sustainable life on Earth, addressing the challenges faced by humanity: climate, resources, connectivity, and data. Our aim is to successfully design and test a cost‑effective and reusable mini‑launch vehicle by end of 2026.

Thermo‑Mechanical Analysis Engineer

We are looking for a thermal and mechanical analysis engineer to join one of our agile multi‑disciplinary teams in charge of the development of multiple propulsion systems on board the MaiaSpace launcher. This team develops advanced propulsion systems for the Colibri orbital vehicle and for the attitude control systems of the reusable first stage and the upper stage.

The Colibri orbital vehicle has different roles. It will first play a kick‑stage role enhancing MaiaSpace performance and injection flexibility. Then, in mid‑term horizon, additional functionalities will be added to the vehicle to address in‑orbit services opportunities where active debris removal is one of our main targets. MaiaSpace is determined to be the first end‑to‑end space mobility company that will remove debris after satellite injections. Our long‑term vision: Each time we fly, we clean.

In 2026, the main objectives are to test and validate many key elements of the Colibri vehicle, including its novel propulsion system. Thanks to our in‑house test facilities, we apply a test‑and‑learn methodology to the development of our green chemical propulsion‑based propulsion system using high‑concentration hydrogen peroxide and ethanol. The plan going forward is to carry out multiple test demonstrations of the Colibri propulsion system until its first flight mission and improve the systems gradually thereafter.

The same approach is used on control thrusters for the main stages as we conduct and plan multiple test campaigns ahead of their first use on the Maia maiden flight.

Responsibilities

• Perform thermal analysis, mechanical analysis and coupled thermo‑mechanical analysis on flight hardware (propulsion, structure, avionics, etc.)
• Support design and development activities of ACS and Kickstage hardware
• Contribute to life‑cycle load analysis and thermal measurement plan for parts submitted to heavy thermal loads during Colibri Kickstage and ACS mission
• Support propulsion ground test campaigns through out development with occasional day‑trips to our Proto‑Factory in Vernon, Normandy
• Participate in drafting and maintaining specifications of propulsion and structural devices
• Act as a focal point for thermo‑mechanical analysis performed on the Colibri and ACS
• Participate in the overall Colibri and ACS propulsion system definition and development
• Participate and support flight campaigns of Colibri and ACS hardware
• Participate in the overall thermal analyst’s community of practice within MaiaSpace
• Work in a dynamic multi‑disciplinary team

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical, aeronautics or space engineering (+5 years post‑Baccalaureate)
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience with direct involvement in thermo‑mechanical studies and trade‑offs on assemblies
• Ability and practical experience using Ansys, Abaqus, COMSOL or other similar relevant software for thermo‑mechanical analysis is required
• Ability and practical experience using MATLAB and Python coding is required
• Ability to work as part of a team and flexibly with regard to a start‑up environment
• Autonomy, rigor, good interpersonal and communication skills, proactive problem‑solving attitude
• Ability to work quickly, be solutions‑oriented and propose disruptive ideas
• Ability and practical experience managing suppliers, specifying and purchasing hardware
• Agility, being comfortable with change and constantly adapting to the environment
• Fluency in English, written and spoken
• Fluency in French is strongly preferred – at minimum an intermediate level and willingness to learn French is required

Working at MaiaSpace

You will be joining a friendly multi‑disciplinary team, comprised of multi‑skilled people, following Agile and Scrum methodologies. This means that your role and responsibility may evolve over time with varied assignments and challenges depending on priorities and competences. Your work will be hands‑on and in close contact with the final product. We are open‑minded, transparent, pragmatic, result‑oriented and people‑centric. Teamwork is at the heart of how we work together and our co‑workers share the same fundamental values: respect, humility, reactivity and autonomy with a passion for technical excellence. Our newly acquired office space at La Défense is located within the heart of Europe’s largest purpose‑built business and commercial district with easy access to public transport.

Written and spoken communication is in French and English.