Job Summary

LASP is seeking a Thermal Engineer to lead the design and development of thermal control systems for spaceflight instruments and mission proposals. The role focuses on solving complex engineering challenges, 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.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Responsible for full cycle thermal subsystem design from initial concept through mission operations.
• Work closely with scientists and engineers in the design and development of spaceflight hardware.
• Generate thermal design requirements, work with customers to establish and manage thermal interfaces.
• Perform thermal analysis of spaceflight hardware, including passive and active thermal control systems, structures, mechanisms, electronics, optical systems, and cryogenic components.
• Present and defend the thermal control system design to internal and external review teams.
• Provide technical specifications for procured or subcontracted items.
• Support assembly, integration, and test activities.
• Responsible for planning and directing thermal vacuum tests of spaceflight hardware, including test plan/procedure development, GSE, staffing, and post-test thermal model correlation.
• Support large proposals with thermal analyses, design, and budgeting.
• Provide mentoring for students and Level I-III thermal engineers.
• May supervise one or more student assistants.
• Be a reviewer for other programs within LASP.
• Other duties 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

$160,000-$209,000.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package 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 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 10 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.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Familiarity with requirements generation and verification.
• Prior experience specifying, procuring, and installing thermal control hardware.
• Quick turn conceptual design experience for proposal work.
• Experience with CAD software (preferably SolidWorks).

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. Resume or CV.
2. Cover Letter.

(Optional) Transcripts/Proof of Degree: If you are selected as the finalist, your degree will be verified by the CU Boulder Campus Human Resources Department using an approved online vendor. However, if your degree was obtained outside of the United States, please submit an English-translated version as an Optional document.

Please apply by 9/11/2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs.

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.