Thermal Engineer

Thermal Engineer Paragon Space Development Corporation
• Denver, CO, US

Paragon Space Development Corp designs and delivers life support, thermal, and environmental systems for space and extreme‑environment missions. Our teams build and test mission‑critical hardware that supports human spaceflight and advanced exploration.

At Paragon, you’ll have real ownership of your work, collaborate with highly skilled teammates, and see your designs move from concept to flight. If you’re looking for meaningful work with real impact, you’ll find it here.

Job Description: Thermal Analysis Engineer

The successful candidate will perform thermal analysis of spacecraft systems and components in a hands‑on environment. This candidate must provide accurate thermal modeling and generate recommendations for the design and sizing of thermal control systems and components. The candidate will also be responsible for supporting thermal testing of spacecraft systems and hardware.

• A strong grasp of heat transfer, thermodynamics, and flow physics.
• Expertise in both analytical and numerical thermal and fluids analysis.
• Understanding of spacecraft thermal control hardware including radiators, pumped fluid loops, heat pipes, phase change materials (PCM), multi‑layer insulation (MLI), and/or sublimators.
• Aerospace testing experience, including generation of test plans, knowledge of thermal test hardware, and an understanding of data systems, instrumentation, and test data analysis.
• Knowledge and experience with the engineering product lifecycle, ranging from requirements development through design, manufacture, test, and operations.
• Ability to evaluate designs and concepts and provide expert advice that will enhance the resulting designs.
• Ability to effectively communicate in both written and spoken form.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, positive work relationships.

Candidate must be a US citizen or permanent resident (green card).

Applicants must be able to demonstrate in depth knowledge in the following skills:

• In‑depth experience using Thermal Desktop, including FloCAD.

Preference will be shown to candidates who have one or more of these qualifications in addition to the basic qualifications above:

• Experience with human thermal modeling and/or spacesuit thermal analysis.
• Experience with thermal control system analysis and design for spacesuits, spacecraft, launch vehicles and/or missile systems.
• Experience developing spacecraft, spacesuits, aircraft, military, or habitat environmental control and life support systems (ECLSS), subsystems, assemblies, and/or components.
• Experience working on NASA or other aerospace development projects.
• Strong knowledge of one or more of the following: heat exchangers, condensing/boiling heat exchangers, boilers, thermoelectric coolers, variable‑conductance heat pipes, and loop heat pipes.
• CAD design experience, especially using Solid Works.
• Experience working on multi‑company and multi‑organizational development teams.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Bio‑mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or equivalent field and 4‑10 years of industry experience with system and/or hardware analysis and design.
• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Bio‑mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or equivalent field and 3‑8 years of industry experience with system and/or hardware analysis and design.
• PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Bio‑mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or equivalent field and 2‑7 years of industry experience with system and/or hardware analysis and design.

Paragon Space Development Corp is an engineering‑driven aerospace company focused on life support, environmental control, and thermal systems that enable human and scientific missions in extreme environments. From concept through flight hardware, Paragon delivers high‑reliability solutions for space exploration, advanced research, and commercial applications.

Founded on a legacy of human spaceflight innovation, Paragon operates with a hands‑on, mission‑focused culture where engineers, technicians, and program teams work closely to solve real‑world problems and deliver dependable systems to our customers.