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.
As part of the University of Colorado Boulder, LASP offers a unique
environment that combines cutting-edge space science, engineering,
mission operations, and student education. With a legacy of sending
instruments to every planet in the solar system and Pluto, LASP
provides opportunities to contribute directly to pioneering space
exploration missions while mentoring and working alongside the next
generation of aerospace professionals.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all
applicable federal, state, and local laws governing
nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a
workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and
dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to
apply, including protected veterans and individuals with
disabilities.
Who We Are
LASP combines the agility of a university laboratory with the
technical capability of a premier space mission organization.
Engineers work directly alongside scientists, students, and mission
operators, allowing technical decisions to move quickly while
maintaining scientific excellence.
As part of the University of Colorado Boulder (CU), LASP began in
1948 and is a world-recognized space science research institute
that implements the full life cycle of science missions from the
definition of the science questions through the development of
space flight hardware and the subsequent mission operations. We are
the only research institute in the world to have sent science
instruments to all eight planets, Pluto, and beyond the solar
system.
LASP combines all aspects of space exploration through our
expertise in science, engineering, mission operations, and
scientific data analysis. As part of CU, LASP also works to educate
and train the next generation of space scientists, engineers and
mission operators by integrating undergraduate and graduate
students into working teams. Our students take their unique
experiences with them into government or industry or remain in
academia to continue the cycle of exploration.
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:
- Resume or CV.
- 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.
Posting Contact Information
Posting Contact Name: Boulder Campus Human Resources
Posting Contact Email: Recruiting@colorado.edu