Principal Thermal Engineer

True Anomaly•Denver, CO

9d•$200,000 - $280,000•Onsite

About The Position

True Anomaly is looking for a creative Principal T hermal E ngineer to develop new spacecraft. In this role you will work with a multi-disciplinary product team to rapidly develop and produce new space systems.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering with training in analysis of structures and fluids; advanced degree strongly preferred (see below)
15+ years of professional experience in space thermal analysis and control (or 12+ years with a Master's degree, or 8+ years with a PhD)
Demonstrated mastery of thermal vacuum testing, analysis, and model correlation across multiple complex spacecraft programs
Proven track record of leading and resolving critical thermal challenges on high-priority, cross-functional programs with significant business impact
Deep thermal expertise across a broad range of spacecraft subcomponents including optical payloads, mechanisms, structures, propulsion, and electronics
Expert-level proficiency in Thermal Desktop, SolidWorks, and related thermal/structural analysis tools
Demonstrated ability to define and drive thermal engineering standards, methodologies, and best practices at an organizational level
Demonstrated history of working autonomously at a strategic level, shaping requirements and direction rather than receiving them
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting to senior leadership and external stakeholders
Strong accountability mindset — owns outcomes across programs, drives balanced technical solutions to closure with urgency, and sets the standard for engineering excellence
Passion for the space industry and a commitment to advancing the state of the art in spacecraft thermal design
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree or PhD in aerospace, mechanical, or a related engineering discipline
Experience leading thermal engineering efforts on programs from concept through on-orbit operations
Background in new space or rapid-development environments where thermal designs must be developed under aggressive schedules and resource constraints
Experience in aero-heating and TPS design is a plus
Experience mentoring and technically developing senior and staff-level engineers
Familiarity with TS//SCI clearance requirements and experience operating in classified program environments
Prior experience as a principal technical advisor or chief engineer on a spacecraft program

Responsibilities

Lead large, high-priority, cross-functional thermal architecture decisions that have significant impact on spacecraft design, mission success, and company growth
Serve as the principal thermal advisor and subject matter expert across multiple spacecraft programs, providing authoritative guidance on complex or critical thermal challenges
Define thermal design philosophy, standards, and best practices to be adopted across programs and lower-level engineering teams
Develop and own integrated thermal analysis frameworks covering heater/radiator sizing, external coatings, and thermal control architectures across a variety of design reference missions (DRMs)
Lead thermal interface coordination across all subsystems and guide multidisciplinary teams in resolving critical thermal integration issues
Lead and provide technical direction for Thermal Vacuum and Thermal Cycle test programs, including model correlation strategy
Support and advise on-orbit operations, bringing principal-level expertise to anomaly resolution and mission sustainment
Contribute to company-level technical direction, participating as a stakeholder in shaping engineering roadmaps and organizational priorities