Job Summary

LASP is seeking a Thermal Engineer to contribute to the design and development of thermal control systems for spaceflight instruments. The role focuses on 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

• Lead of small to mid-sized instrument or cubesat program with limited guidance from a higher level thermal engineer.
• Perform thermal analysis of spaceflight hardware with limited guidance, including passive and active thermal control systems, structures, electronics, and mechanisms, and optical systems.
• Be involved in the full cycle thermal control system design from initial concept through mission operations.
• Work closely with scientists and engineers to develop the thermal control system architecture and requirements.
• Present and defend the thermal control system design to internal and external review teams.
• Create technical specifications for procured or subcontracted items.
• Support assembly, integration, and test activities.
• Plan and direct the thermal vacuum testing of spaceflight hardware, including test plan/procedure development, GSE, staffing, and post-test thermal model correlation.
• Perform thermal analyses needed for smaller proposals.
• Other duties as 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

$109,000-$143,000

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 5 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

• Some familiarity with requirements generation and verification.
• Prior experience specifying, procuring, and installing thermal control hardware.
• 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.