Thermal Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated Thermal Engineer to support the design, analysis, development, integration, and testing of spacecraft and space-based systems. The ideal candidate will apply thermal engineering principles to ensure mission success across all phases of the product lifecycle, from concept development through launch and on-orbit operations.

This role will collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, systems, mission, and manufacturing engineering teams to develop thermal control architectures and validate thermal performance for complex aerospace systems operating in demanding environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform thermal analysis for spacecraft, payloads, and related aerospace systems using industry-standard modeling tools.
• Develop detailed thermal mathematical models to predict temperatures and heat transfer characteristics throughout mission profiles.
• Design active and passive thermal control systems, including heaters, radiators, thermal coatings, heat pipes, insulation, and thermal interfaces.
• Conduct orbital thermal analyses, transient thermal simulations, and thermal balance assessments.
• Generate thermal requirements, specifications, and verification plans.
• Support system architecture trades and thermal design optimization efforts.
• Define, plan, and execute thermal vacuum (TVAC), thermal balance, and environmental testing activities.
• Analyze test data and correlate analytical models with test results.
• Collaborate with structural, electrical, systems, and manufacturing teams to ensure thermal considerations are incorporated throughout the design process.
• Support technical reviews, including SRR, PDR, CDR, TRR, and post-test reviews.
• Prepare technical reports, analyses, presentations, and customer deliverables.
• Assist in anomaly investigations and resolution during integration, testing, launch preparation, and mission operations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of thermal engineering experience in aerospace, spacecraft, satellite, defense, or related industries.
• Experience developing thermal models and conducting thermal analyses using tools such as Thermal Desktop®, SINDA/FLUINT®, ESATAN-TMS®, or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of heat transfer principles, including conduction, convection, and radiation.
• Experience supporting environmental testing and thermal vacuum testing.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance, if required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience with spacecraft thermal control subsystem design.
• Familiarity with orbital environments and spacecraft mission operations.
• Experience supporting government and defense programs.
• Knowledge of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) practices.
• Active Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
• Experience with MATLAB, Python, or other engineering analysis tools.

Desired Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to engineering excellence.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
• Self-starter with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Passion for space technology and innovation.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking space missions and technologies

Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.eer to lead thermal design and analysis efforts. This role involves performing thermal analyses on spacecraft and satellites, utilizing advanced tools such as Thermal Desktop and FloCAD. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in fluid design and analysis, contributing to the success of significant aerospace programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead thermal design and analysis efforts for aerospace projects.
• Perform comprehensive thermal analyses on spacecraft and satellites.
• Utilize Thermal Desktop and FloCAD for analysis tasks.
• Engage in fluid design and analysis to support project requirements.

Essential Skills

• 10+ years of experience in thermal analysis and thermal engineering.
• Proficiency in Thermal Desktop and experience with space hardware.
• Strong understanding of thermal design principles.
• Experience with SolidWorks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace programs.
• Proven track record in thermal analysis for satellites and space hardware.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Louisville, CO.

Pay and Benefits

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

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Louisville,CO.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 25, 2026.

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 View email address on ziprecruiter.com 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 be 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.