Principal Thermal Engineer

University of Colorado; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 160,000 - 209,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Tuition assistance

Transit pass

Job summary

Principal Thermal Engineer at University of Colorado Boulder LASP leads thermal control system design for spaceflight instruments and mission proposals. The role guides the full lifecycle from concept through integration and testing, collaborating with scientists and engineers to deliver high-performance space hardware.

Based in Boulder, the position emphasizes mentoring students and junior engineers, supporting proposals, and shaping thermal analyses for NASA missions in a dynamic,

Qualifications

• BS or higher degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of directly related experience in aerospace thermal engineering.
• Experience with Thermal Desktop or other thermal analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead full-cycle thermal subsystem design from concept through mission operations.
• Collaborate with scientists and engineers in the design and development of spaceflight hardware.
• Generate thermal design requirements and manage thermal interfaces.
• Perform thermal analysis of spaceflight hardware including passive/active thermal control systems.
• Present and defend the thermal control system design to review teams.
• Provide technical specifications for procured or subcontracted items.
• Support assembly, integration, and test activities.
• Plan and direct thermal vacuum tests of spaceflight hardware and correlate models.
• Support large proposals with thermal analyses, design, and budgeting.
• Mentor students and junior thermal engineers.
• Be reviewer for other LASP programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Thermal analysis

Systems engineering

Technical leadership

Communication

Education

BS or higher in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Thermal Desktop

Thermal analysis tools

Job description

Principal Thermal Engineer

Requisition Number: 74375

Location: Boulder Colorado

Employment Type: Research Faculty

Schedule: Full Time

Posting Close Date: 11-Sep-2026

Job Summary

LASP is seeking a Thermal Engineer to lead the design and development of thermal control systems for spaceflight instruments and mission proposals. The role focuses on solving complex engineering challenges, developing innovative thermal control systems, and supporting the full lifecycle of flight hardware from concept through integration and testing. The successful candidate will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of scientists and engineers to deliver reliable, high-performance space instrumentation for NASA and other space missions.

As part of the University of Colorado Boulder, LASP offers a unique environment that combines cutting-edge space science, engineering, mission operations, and student education. With a legacy of sending instruments to every planet in the solar system and Pluto, LASP provides opportunities to contribute directly to pioneering space exploration missions while mentoring and working alongside the next generation of aerospace professionals.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

LASP combines the agility of a university laboratory with the technical capability of a premier space mission organization. Engineers work directly alongside scientists, students, and mission operators, allowing technical decisions to move quickly while maintaining scientific excellence.

As part of the University of Colorado Boulder (CU), LASP began in 1948 and is a world-recognized space science research institute that implements the full life cycle of science missions from the definition of the science questions through the development of space flight hardware and the subsequent mission operations. We are the only research institute in the world to have sent science instruments to all eight planets, Pluto, and beyond the solar system.

LASP combines all aspects of space exploration through our expertise in science, engineering, mission operations, and scientific data analysis. As part of CU, LASP also works to educate and train the next generation of space scientists, engineers and mission operators by integrating undergraduate and graduate students into working teams. Our students take their unique experiences with them into government or industry or remain in academia to continue the cycle of exploration.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Responsible for full cycle thermal subsystem design from initial concept through mission operations.
• Work closely with scientists and engineers in the design and development of spaceflight hardware.
• Generate thermal design requirements, work with customers to establish and manage thermal interfaces.
• Perform thermal analysis of spaceflight hardware, including passive and active thermal control systems, structures, mechanisms, electronics, optical systems, and cryogenic components.
• Present and defend the thermal control system design to internal and external review teams.
• Provide technical specifications for procured or subcontracted items.
• Support assembly, integration, and test activities.
• Responsible for planning and directing thermal vacuum tests of spaceflight hardware, including test plan/procedure development, GSE, staffing, and post-test thermal model correlation.
• Support large proposals with thermal analyses, design, and budgeting.
• Provide mentoring for students and Level I-III thermal engineers.
• May supervise one or more student assistants.
• Be a reviewer for other programs within LASP.
• Other duties assigned.

What You Should Know

• Due to US Export Control restrictions, only US Citizens and Permanent Residents may apply.
• Fully remote working not allowed, hybrid schedule may be possible with approval from supervisor and project manager.

What We Can Offer

$160,000-$209,000.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder (https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=9793699&targetURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.colorado.edu%2F) , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package (https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=9793699&targetURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.colorado.edu%2Fjobs%2Fbenefits) includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage (https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=9793699&targetURL=https%3A%2F%2Fadvantage.cu.edu%2Fcampus%2Fcu-boulder) program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• BS or higher degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 10 years of directly related experience in the field of aerospace thermal engineering and design is required as well as experience with Thermal Desktop or other thermal analysis tools.

What You Will Need

• Experience with thermal analysis software (preferably Thermal Desktop).
• Thermal vacuum testing experience: planning, execution, model correlation.
• Ability to function well in a team-based environment.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Be able to show initiative, resourcefulness and creativity.
• Knowledgeable of spaceflight instruments and spacecraft.
• Ability to take personal responsibility for projects and work independently.

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

The University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, pregnancy, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation, or political philosophy. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.