Description Science and Technology Facilities Council Salary: £23,493 per annum Contract Type: Fixed Term – 12 weeks Hours: Full-time Location: Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell, Oxfordshire OX11 0QX Closing date: 8 th March 2026 Interview: Virtually via Microsoft Teams in April 2026 Start date: June 2026 RAL Space, based at STFC's Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL), carries out an exciting range of world-class space research and technology development. We work closely with organisations like ESA and NASA and have significant involvement in over 200 space missions. We are at the forefront of UK space research. The Thermal Engineering Group (TEG) within RAL Space are responsible for the design, development and testing of spacecraft scientific payloads, ground-based space instruments and calibration equipment. TEG also manages a facility for the design and production of the Multi-layer Insulation used on spacecraft. Our day-to-day work ranges from studies for future missions through to the design and testing of high-profile instruments, such as the Mid Infrared Instrument (MIRI) on the NASA James Webb Space Telescope observatory. The thermal challenge for MIRI was to cool its detectors to a chilly 6 K (-267 °C)! At the other extreme, we have designed and built the SPICE instrument for ESA’s Solar Orbiter, which must survive and work in a very hot orbit close to the surface of the Sun. We are looking forward to welcoming an engineering/science student interested in gaining practical experience in developing new techniques for thermal analysis and verification of space electronics. This is an exciting 12 weeks work experience opportunity over the course of summer that will allow the student to apply theoretical academic knowledge in a practical setting, enhancing their skills and understanding through real-work applications. Full support and guidance from the team will be provided to make sure the successful student has an enjoyable experience with us. Summer Placements at STFC STFC’s incredibly diverse range of placements allow you to work alongside world leading engineers, scientists, and technicians in highly collaborative environments. Whichever you choose, you will become a critical member of the team in which you will be exposed to exciting projects and challenges from the start. You will also be supported every step of the way by our dedicated Early Careers Development Team Key Duties & Responsibilities Use principles of thermodynamics to develop improved thermal management techniques for space electronics. Employ existing computer-based analysis tools, such as ESATAN-TMS, and investigate new tools like Ansys Icepak, complemented by hand calculations to predict and verify the thermal performance. Define experimental test configurations and draft test plans to evaluate key modelling assumptions. Work closely with Electronics Design Group to access the feasibility of model assumptions and test approaches. Document findings and recommend improvements or best practices. Person Specification The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I). In order to apply for the role, we are looking for the following: Essential: You are in full time education at university, and will be returning to university/your studies to complete your undergraduate degree once the summer placement has concluded (S) You have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the placement (S) Clear interest and enthusiasm for the post and space thermal engineering (S&I) Strong understanding of fundamental heat transfer principles (S&I) Familiarity with analytical approaches relevant to engineering and ability to learn new analysis tools. (S&I) Hands-on practical skills in experimental methods (e.g. workshops, laboratories, data handling etc.) (S&I) Presents and communicates information clearly (S&I) Can demonstrate good team working capabilities ( S&I) Desirable: Ability to apply basic programming skills and grasp key programming fundamentals. (S&I) Knowledge of breadboard setups involving Arduinos, electric components, and PCBs. (S&I) Employee Benefits We are offering a fixed term position with a whole host of benefits including: 30 days holiday pro rata Flexible working hours. Easily accessible public transport links/ free parking. Excellent learning and development opportunities. Link to more benefits: https://stfccareers.co.uk/rewards-and-benefits/ As this job does not fulfil the UK Government minimum criterion for obtaining sponsored migrant worker status, we will be unable to apply for sponsorship for anyone not eligible to work in the UK. At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK. You can check your eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y Application Guidance Please note that we can only accept a maximum of 2 applications per candidate. Part of our application process involves submitting your CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter should address your suitability for the opportunity based how you meet each essential criteria stated in this advert. Please note that we hold the right to close this vacancy early if a sufficient number of applications have been received. We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown across every field you could think of. And they turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. What could you achieve with the world-leading facilities and experts of one of Europe's largest research organisations by your side? Join us and discover what's possible!