WHO ARE WE? Sateliot is a Barcelona-based startup in the New Space sector, becoming the first satellite telecommunications operator that will provide integral and continuous connectivity to all the elements that will make up the massive Internet of Things (IoT) universe under the 5G protocol. In order to do so, Sateliot is launching a constellation of last generation nanosatellites located at low altitude that act as mobile towers. Sateliot is the perfect complement for large telecommunications companies by providing them with the necessary infrastructure where terrestrial technologies do not arrive. YOUR MISSION Sateliot is seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to lead mechanical and thermal-structural engineering across the full lifecycle of an advanced LEO satellite platform and payload antenna system. This role requires a deep first-principles approach to mechanical design, combined with hands‑on expertise in developing lightweight, deployable, semi‑rigid space structures that must survive launch loads, deploy reliably in orbit, and maintain performance through aggressive LEO thermal cycling. The successful candidate will take ownership from early concept and detailed design through manufacturing, qualification, integration, testing, and on‑orbit support. Your Main Functions Mechanical Architecture & Structural Leadership Own the mechanical design of the satellite bus structure and payload antenna assemblies. Lead architecture decisions using physics‑based first principles reasoning, balancing mass, stiffness, thermal stability, and manufacturability. Drive structural trade‑offs for LEO‑class spacecraft where volume and mass efficiency are critical. Deployable & Lightweight Space Structures Design and qualify deployable mechanisms and semi‑rigid lightweight structures (antenna deployment systems, panels, booms,



hinges). Ensure robust repeatability, stiffness, and dimensional stability after deployment. Address latch design, hold‑down release mechanisms, tolerances, and deployment dynamics in orbit. LEO Orbital Mechanical Environment Expertise Design spacecraft structures for the unique challenges of LEO operation, including: High‑frequency thermal cycling (eclipse transitions) Thermo‑elastic distortion affecting payload pointing and RF performance Atomic oxygen degradation of exposed materials Microgravity‑induced structural behaviour changes Launch Survivability & Mechanical Qualification Ensure all mechanical systems meet launcher and environmental requirements, including: Random vibration Acoustic loading Shock events (separation, pyro‑shock) Define qualification and acceptance approaches suitable for LEO constellation‑style deployment, balancing reliability and production cadence. Full Engineering Lifecycle Ownership Lead mechanical development through the complete lifecycle: Concept design and prototyping Detailed CAD and manufacturing release Supplier engagement and production readiness Assembly, Integration & Test (AIT) Qualification campaigns (vibration, thermal vacuum, deployment testing) Structural Analysis & Verification Oversee structural analysis activities, including: FEM development and correlation Modal analysis, static margins, buckling,



dynamic response Establish verification plans compliant with ECSS/NASA/launcher requirements. Support hardware test execution, anomaly resolution, and design iteration. Cross‑Functional Technical Leadership Act as mechanical technical authority interfacing with systems, RF, thermal, avionics, manufacturing, and mission teams. Mentor engineers and elevate structural/mechanical rigor across the organization. REQUIREMENTS General MSc or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline. Professional Experience 10+ years of experience delivering flight mechanical hardware for spacecraft or high‑reliability aerospace systems. Strong first‑principles structural and thermal‑mechanical reasoning capability. Proven experience designing for: Launch vibration and shock environments Thermal‑vacuum operation in LEO Deployable spacecraft structures and antenna systems Tools & Technical Competencies Structural simulation: ANSYS, Abaqus Understanding of coupled thermal‑structural effects preferred Experience with qualification documentation, test correlation, and margin tracking Personal Attributes Physics‑driven engineer with deep curiosity and rigor End‑to‑end ownership mindset across design → test → flight Strong balance of analytical depth and practical build/test execution Comfortable working in fast‑paced, high‑performance LEO development environments NICE TO HAVE Mechanical ownership of deployable antenna reflectors, phased‑array panels, booms, or other lightweight space deployable. Deep familiarity with spacecraft structural materials and processes: CFRP composites Aluminium and titanium alloys Precision machining and additive manufacturing where appropriate Working knowledge of atomic oxygen, outgassing, contamination, and material se

📌 Principal Mechanical Engineer (Madrid)
🏢 Sateliot
📍 Madrid