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.
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
- 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:
- 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
