Thermal Design Engineer

Headhunting & Advising for Hard Tech Startups | Climate, Space, Defense | AdAstra Talent Advisors About The Company

Our client is building that future by developing the first reusable satellite platform with return capability transforming space from a one‑way street into a two‑way highway for innovation and commerce.

They are seeking an exceptional Thermal Design Engineer to architect and lead the development of their spacecraft’s thermal management system. As the first thermal engineer, you'll bridge the gap between analysis and hardware ownership, solving complex challenges that have profound implications for the future of commercial spaceflight.

This is a unique opportunity to:

• Architect design criteria to drive thermal performance of all subsystems in orbit, during reentry and on the ground.
• Own the design, procurement, build, and test of all thermal control hardware on the vehicle (heaters, MLI, gap pads, radiators, thermal straps).
• Perform hand calculations to iterate through ideas and problems quickly with the structures, avionics, GNC and FSW teams.
• Own the vehicle thermal model in Thermal Desktop.
• Work directly with technical leadership to shape the future of space transportation.
• Support recruiting efforts to shape the engineering team as we grow.

You'll lead the thermal design, analysis, and execution of our spacecraft thermal control systems, including:

• Managing technical interfaces with aerothermal teams for reentry analysis.
• Developing and validating thermal models for both orbital and reentry phases.
• Designing thermal management systems for orbital and hypersonic reentry conditions.
• Creating spacecraft thermal control systems for extended orbital operations.
• Leading selection and qualification of thermal management systems.
• Driving execution of development, qualification and acceptance test campaigns.
• Collaborating with mechanical and electrical teams on thermal design criteria.
• Working with vendors to develop custom thermal component systems.

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of spacecraft thermal engineering experience.
• Proven track record designing and qualifying thermal control systems through multiple successful missions.
• Strong understanding of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermal analysis tools.
• Fundamental understanding of mechanical and electrical first principles and design methodologies outside the thermal domain.
• Experience with Thermal Desktop.
• Expertise in spacecraft thermal control techniques and technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to excel in dynamic, high‑stakes engineering environments.

• MS in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Direct experience with hypersonic vehicle or reentry system thermal analysis.
• Background in thermal protection system design and testing.
• Experience with aerothermal analysis tools (FIAT, CBAERO or similar).
• Early‑stage startup experience.

* The above qualifications are desired, not required. We encourage you to apply if you are a strong candidate with only some of the desired skills and experience listed.

• They are based in Denver, CO and believe in the power of in‑person collaboration. They are onsite 5 days/week by default, but flexible when life requires it.
• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by ITAR (22 CFR §120.15), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Compensation is determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, you may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

Our client is an equal opportunity employer. They evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion,…