Lead Thermal Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Lead Thermal Engineer

Status: Exempt, Full Time

Location: Moriarty, NM or North Bay, CA

Reports To: Design Engineering Manager

Who Are We:

Sceye is a high-growth technology company, building the next generation of instant communications, imaging and remote sensing infrastructure through stratospheric platforms. Our lighter-than-air high-altitude platform systems (LTA HAPS) are capable of maintaining position over an operational area in the stratosphere (altitudes of 18 – 21km). They can carry multiple telecommunications, imaging and remote sensing payloads, providing unique functionality, cost, environmental and societal advantages.

Our HAPS can be deployed in a matter of days and at a fraction of the cost of traditional infrastructure solutions. This makes them an ideal solution for providing telecommunications connectivity, emergency solutions in the event of natural or other disasters, environmental and infrastructure monitoring, Earth observation and a range of defense applications.

Our customers & partners include some of the largest global telecommunications companies, infrastructure operators, climate researchers, civil and defense agencies. At Sceye, we aim high, and we want you to join us at the stratospheric edge of innovation. As part of our mission-driven team, you’ll contribute to building breakthrough technologies that are changing the way we connect and observe the world. We are looking for individuals who bring not only deep expertise but also bold vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

About the Position:

Sceye is seeking a Lead Thermal Engineer with proven, hands-on experience supporting the design, analysis, and validation of thermal systems for high-altitude aerospace platforms, including HAPS, unmanned aerial systems (UAS), drones, or closely related flight vehicles. This role is responsible for ensuring reliable thermal performance of avionics, structures, propulsion-adjacent systems, and payloads operating in extreme stratospheric environments.

The Lead Thermal Engineer will serve as a trusted technical advisor and will be relied upon for sound judgment and guidance on thermal management strategies that directly influence system design, risk mitigation, and mission readiness. This role requires someone who has successfully applied thermal engineering expertise in prior industry roles and is comfortable owning thermal decisions.

What You’ll Do:

• Design, analyze, and optimize active and passive thermal control systems for high-altitude aerospace platforms
• Perform steady-state and transient thermal analyses using analytical and numerical methods
• Develop, validate, and maintain thermal models predicting system behavior across stratospheric and mission-specific operating conditions
• Support selection, qualification, and trade studies for materials, insulation, coatings, radiators, and thermal interfaces
• Define thermal requirements, margins, and operating limits for avionics, batteries, payloads, and structural components
• Support environmental testing, including thermal vacuum, altitude simulation, and temperature cycling tests
• Analyze test data, correlate results with thermal models, and drive design updates as needed
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, systems, and manufacturing teams to resolve real-world thermal challenges
• Document designs, analyses, test results, and compliance with applicable engineering standards
• Support design reviews, risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives

What We’re Looking For :

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field
• 5–10 years of demonstrated, hands-on experience in thermal analysis and thermal system design for aerospace or high-altitude flight systems
• Proven practical experience supporting thermal management for drones, HAPS, UAS, or closely related aerospace platforms
• Demonstrated ability to independently own thermal analyses and provide clear, experience-based recommendations to engineering leadership and cross-functional teams
• Strong, applied understanding of heat transfer principles (conduction, convection, radiation), particularly in low-density, high-altitude environments
• Experience developing, validating, and correlating thermal models using industry-standard tools (e.g., ANSYS, Thermal Desktop, COMSOL, or equivalent)
• Experience supporting hardware through design, test, integration, and operational readiness, not solely academic or theoretical work
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, R&D-driven aerospace environment
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical documentation skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
• Direct experience with high-altitude platforms, stratospheric vehicles, or long-duration unmanned flight systems
• Hands-on experience with thermal vacuum testing, environmental qualification, or flight validation campaigns
• Knowledge of lightweight structures, composites, and advanced aerospace materials
• Experience supporting mission-critical or flight-certified hardware

What We Offer:

At Sceye, we’re building more than high-altitude platforms—we’re building a workplace where people (and their pups) thrive. Here’s what you’ll enjoy:

• Chef-Prepared Lunches – Fresh, onsite meals to keep you fueled and focused.
• Snacks & Refreshments – Enjoy a variety of snacks and drinks available throughout the day.
• Wellness Perks – Access to a gym, pickleball court, and an outdoor dog kennel.
• Dog-Friendly Environment – Bring your four-legged friends to work and enjoy a pet-welcoming space.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance, with over 82% of premiums covered—and 100% for everything else.
• 401(k) with Match – Company contributions that are yours from day one.
• High-Performance Culture – Join a collaborative, inclusive environment where your work helps shape the future of aerospace.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Sceye is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, especially those who bring unique perspectives and experiences that can help us grow and innovate. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us—we’re happy to assist.