Sr 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

Thermal Engineer

We are seeking an experienced Thermal Engineer to support the design, analysis, and development of spacecraft, satellites, and advanced aerospace systems. In this role, you will lead thermal design and analysis efforts, ensuring hardware performs reliably in demanding space environments throughout the product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform thermal analysis for spacecraft, satellites, and space hardware.
• Develop and maintain thermal models using industry-standard tools such as Thermal Desktop.
• Design and evaluate thermal control solutions, including insulation, radiators, heat pipes, heaters, and thermal coatings.
• Conduct orbital, transient, and thermal balance analyses.
• Support thermal vacuum (TVAC) and environmental testing, including 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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor\'s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
  • Masters degree preferred
• 7+ years of thermal engineering experience, preferably within aerospace, spacecraft, or satellite programs.
• Strong experience with Thermal Desktop and thermal modeling/analysis of space hardware.
• Knowledge of heat transfer principles, including conduction, convection, and radiation.
• Experience supporting thermal testing and validation activities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with FloCAD, fluid design, and fluid analysis.
• Experience with spacecraft thermal control subsystem design.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, MATLAB, Python, or related engineering tools.
• Familiarity with government, defense, or space mission programs.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative space missions and cutting-edge aerospace technologies while working alongside a highly collaborative engineering team.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Louisville, CO.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $65.00 - $72.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 26, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Louisville,CO.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.