Senior Thermal Engineer

University of Colorado System; Allenspark (CO); Hybrid; USD 109,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and retirement plans

Generous paid time off

Tuition assistance for you and depend-

ECO Pass for local transit

Job summary

LASP, part of the University of Colorado Boulder, is seeking a Thermal Engineer to design and develop thermal control systems for spaceflight instruments, contributing to the full lifecycle from concept through testing. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-performance space instrumentation for NASA and other missions.

As part of CU Boulder, LASP offers a unique environment combining space science, engineering, mission operations, and student education, with

Qualifications

• BS or higher degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of aerospace thermal engineering experience and design.
• Experience with Thermal Desktop or other thermal analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead thermal design for spaceflight instruments from concept through mission operations.
• Perform thermal analyses for spaceflight hardware including passive/active systems, structures, electronics, mechanisms, and optics.
• Develop thermal control system architectures and requirements with scientists and engineers.
• Create technical specifications for procured or subcontracted items.
• Plan and direct thermal vacuum testing and post-test model correlation.
• Support assembly, integration, and test activities.

Skills

Thermal analysis

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Initiative & creativity

Spaceflight instruments

Independent work

Education

BS or higher in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or related

Tools

Thermal Desktop

CAD (SolidWorks)

Job description

Job Summary

LASP is seeking a Thermal Engineer to contribute to the design anddevelopment of thermal control systems for spaceflight instruments.The role focuses on developing innovative thermal control systemsand supporting the full lifecycle of flight hardware from conceptthrough integration and testing. The successful candidate willcollaborate with multidisciplinary teams of scientists andengineers to deliver reliable, high-performance spaceinstrumentation for NASA and other space missions.

As part of the University of Colorado Boulder, LASP offers a uniqueenvironment that combines cutting-edge space science, engineering,mission operations, and student education. With a legacy of sendinginstruments to every planet in the solar system and Pluto, LASPprovides opportunities to contribute directly to pioneering spaceexploration missions while mentoring and working alongside the nextgeneration of aerospace professionals.

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with allapplicable federal, state, and local laws governingnondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating aworkplace where all individuals are treated with respect anddignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds toapply, including protected veterans and individuals withdisabilities.

Who We Are

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

As part of the University of Colorado Boulder (CU), LASP began in1948 and is a world-recognized space science research institutethat implements the full life cycle of science missions from thedefinition of the science questions through the development ofspace flight hardware and the subsequent mission operations. We arethe only research institute in the world to have sent scienceinstruments to all eight planets, Pluto, and beyond the solarsystem.

LASP combines all aspects of space exploration through ourexpertise in science, engineering, mission operations, andscientific data analysis. As part of CU, LASP also works to educateand train the next generation of space scientists, engineers andmission operators by integrating undergraduate and graduatestudents into working teams. Our students take their uniqueexperiences with them into government or industry or remain inacademia to continue the cycle of exploration.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Lead of small to mid-sized instrument or cubesat program withlimited guidance from a higher level thermal engineer.
• Perform thermal analysis of spaceflight hardware with limitedguidance, including passive and active thermal control systems,structures, electronics, and mechanisms, and optical systems.
• Be involved in the full cycle thermal control system designfrom initial concept through mission operations.
• Work closely with scientists and engineers to develop thethermal control system architecture and requirements.
• Present and defend the thermal control system design tointernal and external review teams.
• Create technical specifications for procured or subcontracteditems.
• Support assembly, integration, and test activities.
• Plan and direct the thermal vacuum testing of spaceflighthardware, including test plan/procedure development, GSE, staffing,and post-test thermal model correlation.
• Perform thermal analyses needed for smaller proposals.
• Other duties as assigned.

What You Should Know

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

What We Can Offer

$109,000-$143,000

Benefits

• medical,dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuitionassistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for localtransit.
• As one of Boulder County’s largest employers, CU Boulderoffers an inspiring academic community and access to world-classoutdoor recreation.
• Explore additional perks and programs throughthe CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be groundbreaking. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• BS or higher degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, orrelated technical discipline from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 5 years of directly related experience in the fieldof aerospace thermal engineering and design is required as well asexperience with Thermal Desktop or other thermal analysistools.

What You Will Need

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

What We Would Like You to Have

• Some familiarity with requirements generation andverification.
• Prior experience specifying, procuring, and installing thermalcontrol hardware.
• Experience with CAD software (preferably SolidWorks).