Senior Thermal Engineer

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

Job summary

LASP, part of the University of Colorado Boulder, seeks a Senior Thermal Engineer to design and develop thermal control systems for spaceflight instruments. You will lead small to mid-sized programs, perform thermal analyses, and contribute from concept through mission operations in a collaborative, mission-focused environment.

Join a team that has supported instruments across the solar system and beyond. You will work with scientists, engineers, and mission operators to deliver high-performance

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Thermal analysis

Teamwork

Communication

Independent work

Education

BS or higher in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Thermal Desktop

Job description

Senior Thermal Engineer

Requisition Number: 74376

Location: Boulder Colorado

Employment Type: Research Faculty

Schedule: Full Time

Posting Close Date: 11-Sep-2026

Date Posted:

Job Summary

LASP is seeking a Thermal Engineer to contribute to the design and development of thermal control systems for spaceflight instruments. The role focuses on 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

• Lead of small to mid-sized instrument or cubesat program with limited guidance from a higher level thermal engineer.
• Perform thermal analysis of spaceflight hardware with limited guidance, including passive and active thermal control systems, structures, electronics, and mechanisms, and optical systems.
• Be involved in the full cycle thermal control system design from initial concept through mission operations.
• Work closely with scientists and engineers to develop the thermal control system architecture and requirements.
• Present and defend the thermal control system design to internal and external review teams.
• Create technical specifications for procured or subcontracted items.
• Support assembly, integration, and test activities.
• Plan and direct the thermal vacuum testing of spaceflight hardware, 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 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

$109,000-$143,000

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder (https://apptrkr.com/get_redirect.php?id=9793701&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=9793701&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=9793701&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 5 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.

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.

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.