Senior Spacecraft Thermal Engineer

Actalent; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Louisville, CO is seeking an experienced Thermal Engineer to lead design, analysis, and development of spacecraft thermal systems. You will drive thermal modeling, testing support, and collaboration across mechanical, electrical, and systems teams to optimize space hardware performance.

The role requires 7+ years in aerospace thermal engineering, strong Thermal Desktop experience, and solid heat transfer knowledge.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of thermal engineering experience, ideally within aerospace.
• Experience with Thermal Desktop and space hardware modeling.
• Strong knowledge of heat transfer principles (conduction, convection, radiation).
• Experience supporting thermal testing and validation activities.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform thermal analysis for spacecraft, satellites, and space hardware.
• Develop and maintain thermal models using Thermal Desktop.
• Design and evaluate thermal control solutions (insulation, radiators, heat pipes, heaters, coatings).
• Conduct orbital, transient, and thermal balance analyses.
• Support TVAC and environmental testing, data analysis and model correlation.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, systems, and manufacturing teams to optimize thermal performance.
• Support technical reviews and contribute to mission-critical aerospace programs.

Skills

Thermal analysis

Thermal modeling

Heat transfer

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree (Aerospace/Mechanical/Physics)

Masters degree preferred

Tools

Thermal Desktop

SolidWorks

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Actalent in Louisville, CO is seeking an experienced Thermal Engineer to lead design, analysis, and development of spacecraft thermal systems. You will drive thermal modeling, testing support, and collaboration across mechanical, electrical, and systems teams to optimize space hardware performance.

The role requires 7+ years in aerospace thermal engineering, strong Thermal Desktop experience, and solid heat transfer knowledge.