Thermal Engineer Researcher
University of Colorado Boulder
Job Summary
This researcher appointment provides part-time advisory and knowledge-transfer support to LASP’s Engineering division. The role is intended to leverage specialized expertise, institutional knowledge, and historical context held by a former employee to support internal planning, documentation, and strategic activities within Engineering.
Who We Are
Founded a decade before NASA, the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder is revolutionizing human understanding of the cosmos. LASP is deeply committed to inspiring and educating the next generation of space explorers. From enabling the first exploratory rocket measurements of Earth’s upper atmosphere to trailblazing observations of every planet in the solar system, LASP is at the forefront of solar, planetary and space physics research, space-weather monitoring, and the search for evidence of habitable worlds.
LASP advances scientific discovery and inspires the next generation through research, innovation, and education in space sciences. We employ over 700 scientists, engineers, support personnel, and students that work closely to cultivate creative ideas and explore novel solutions to make the impossible possible.
LASP is dedicated to building and maintaining a unique synergism of expertise in space science, engineering, and spacecraft operations. Through research projects, LASP participates actively in the training of the future leaders of space research and helps the University of Colorado to educate students with valued technical and scientific skills. Development and use of innovative technologies and continuing participation in new research initiatives ensures a strong leadership role for LASP into the future. LASP is proud of our work environment that supports employee creativity and productivity and offers opportunities for a broad range of experiences. Further information about LASP can be found here: https://lasp.colorado.edu/home/.
What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Provide experienced thermal design and analysis support for near-term proposal development efforts at LASP on an as-needed basis.
- Provide knowledge transfer to newer thermal engineers through the proposal development process.
- 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.
- Support large proposals with thermal analyses, design, and budgeting.
- Provide mentoring for students and Level I-III thermal engineers.
- Other duties as assigned.
What You Should Know
- Limited or no onsite presence required.
- Due to requirements to access export-controlled data and information, only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), or other protected individuals (i.e., persons designated as an asylee, refugee, or temporary resident under amnesty provisions) may apply.
What We Can Offer
$93.74 p/h.
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
What We Require
- BS or higher degree in Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical discipline from an accredited institution.
- Ten years of directly related experience in the field of 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 Desktop.
- Ability to function well in a team-based environment.
- Attention to detail.
- Excellent 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.
- Some hands-on experience working with MLI blankets.
- Thermal vacuum testing experience.
- 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 addressed to the Search Committee briefly describing your qualifications, professional goals, and specific interest in the position
Review of applications will start immediately and will remain posted until Monday March 30, 2026.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, applications must be submitted through CU Boulder Jobs