Thermal Engineer

Sky Limit Systems; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Sky Limit Systems in Colorado is seeking an experienced Thermal Engineer to join a cutting-edge aerospace team focused on next‑generation space systems. This role covers thermal design, analysis, and validation of spacecraft and related hardware, with collaboration across disciplines throughout the product lifecycle.

You will support thermal models, steady-state and transient analyses, and heat transfer calculations. A active U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Thermal Engineering or related field.

Responsibilities

• Perform thermal design and analysis for spacecraft and aerospace hardware.
• Develop thermal models and conduct steady-state and transient heat transfer analyses.
• Calculate heat transfer coefficients, temperatures, and thermal loads for flight hardware.
• Support thermal environmental testing in ambient and vacuum conditions.
• Prepare technical reports on analyses, tests and recommendations.
• Review drawings and documentation for accuracy, manufacturability, and compliance.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize thermal performance.
• Support design reviews and system integration activities.

Skills

Thermal design

Heat transfer analysis

Thermal modeling

Thermal analysis tools

CAD (SolidWorks)

Team collaboration

Clearance handling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Thermal Desktop

SINDA

ANSYS Mechanical

SolidWorks

CFD

Job description

Join a cutting-edge aerospace engineering team supporting next-generation space systems for a critical U.S. space program. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced Thermal Engineer who is passionate about spacecraft development, thermal analysis, and solving complex engineering challenges in a highly collaborative, mission-driven environment.

In this role, you'll support the thermal design, analysis, and validation of spacecraft, precision electro-mechanical systems, cryogenic systems, antenna communications hardware, and other advanced aerospace technologies. You'll work alongside multidisciplinary engineering teams throughout the product lifecycle, from concept and design through testing and integration.

Security Clearance: Active U.S. Top Secret Clearance with eligibility for SCI (U.S. Citizenship required)

Key Responsibilities

• Perform thermal design and analysis for spacecraft, aerospace hardware, cryogenic systems, antenna communication systems, and ground support equipment
• Develop thermal models and perform steady-state and transient heat transfer analyses
• Calculate heat transfer coefficients, temperature distributions, and thermal loads for spacecraft and flight hardware
• Support thermal environmental testing in both ambient and vacuum environments
• Prepare technical reports documenting thermal analyses, testing, and engineering recommendations
• Review engineering drawings, procedures, and technical documentation for accuracy, manufacturability, and compliance
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to optimize thermal performance throughout product development
• Support design reviews, technical problem-solving, and system integration activities

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Thermal Engineering, or a related technical field
• 4+ years of experience in thermal engineering for aerospace, spacecraft, or other high-reliability systems (advanced degrees may substitute for experience)
• Active U.S. Top Secret security clearance with a favorable Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) and eligibility for SCI
• Experience performing thermal analysis using Thermal Desktop, SINDA, ANSYS Mechanical, CFD, or similar analysis tools
• Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks or similar 3D modeling platforms
• Knowledge of heat transfer principles, including conduction, convection, radiation, and thermal modeling
• Experience supporting spacecraft, electro-mechanical systems, opto-mechanical hardware, cryogenic systems, or related aerospace products
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting spacecraft development or national security space programs
• Experience with thermal environmental testing and validation
• Knowledge of aerospace thermal materials, manufacturing processes, and system integration
• Understanding of engineering cost, schedule, and program execution considerations
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within classified government and contractor environments

Why Join?

• Support a mission-critical U.S. Space program developing next-generation space capabilities
• Work on advanced spacecraft and aerospace technologies in a highly collaborative engineering environment
• Contribute to programs that directly support national security and the future of space exploration
• Collaborate with experienced multidisciplinary engineering teams solving complex technical challenges
• Enjoy competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, paid time off, and a 401(k) with company matching while growing your career in the aerospace industry