Thermal Design Engineer

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionThermal Design Engineer
The Opportunity

Our client is seeking an exceptional Thermal Design Engineer to architect and lead the development of their heat shield's thermal protection system and spacecraft thermal management. As their first thermal engineer, you'll bridge the gap between hypersonic reentry analysis and spacecraft thermal design, solving complex challenges that have profound implications for the future of commercial spaceflight. This is a unique opportunity to:

• Design thermal protection systems that withstand extreme reentry environments
• Develop passive thermal control solutions for spacecraft operations
• Create integrated thermal models spanning orbital and reentry phases
• Work directly with technical leadership to shape the future of space transportation
• Support recruiting efforts to shape the engineering team as they grow

About This Client

Space is the bleeding edge for humanity's next industrial revolution. While reusable rockets have opened the door, true economic transformation requires infrastructure that makes orbit as accessible and reliable as air travel. Our client is building that future by developing the first reusable satellite platform with controlled return capability transforming space from a one-way street into a two-way highway for innovation and commerce. They are based in Denver, CO and believe in the power of in-person collaboration. They are onsite 5 days/week by default, but flexible when life requires it.

Why Join Them?

• Pioneering Technology: They are developing the first reusable satellite platform with controlled return capability fundamentally transforming space from a one-way journey to a two-way highway
• Real Impact: Your work will enable new industries in space manufacturing, research, and logistics while pioneering sustainable space infrastructure
• Speed & Autonomy: They maintain parallel hardware development streams and empower engineers to innovate rapidly while upholding rigorous aerospace standards
• World-Class Team: Work alongside experts from leading aerospace companies and research institutions, building technology that will reshape humanity's access to space

The Role

You'll lead the thermal design and analysis of our heat shield and all spacecraft systems, including:

• Managing technical interfaces with aerothermal teams for reentry analysis
• Developing and validating thermal models for both orbital and reentry phases
• Designing thermal protection systems for hypersonic reentry conditions
• Creating spacecraft thermal control systems for extended orbital operations
• Leading material selection and qualification for thermal protection systems
• Driving execution of development, qualification and acceptance test campaigns
• Collaborating with mechanical and electrical teams on thermal design criteria
• Working with vendors to develop custom thermal protection materials and components

Required Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or related file
• 8+ years of spacecraft thermal engineering experience
• Proven track record designing and qualifying thermal control systems through multiple successful missions
• Strong understanding of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermal analysis too
• Fundamental understanding of mechanical and electrical first principles and design methodologies outside the therm domain
• Experience with thermal modeling software (Thermal Desktop or similar)
• Expertise in spacecraft thermal control techniques and technologies
• Demonstrated ability to excel in dynamic, high-stakes engineering environments

Desired Experience

• MS in Mechanical Engineering or related fie
• Direct experience with hypersonic vehicle or reentry system thermal analysis
• Background in thermal protection system design and testing
• Experience with aerothermal analysis tools (FIAT, CBAERO or similar)
• Early-stage startup experience

Additional Information

• Salary Range: $140,000 - $180,000 (based on qualifications)
• Early Team Equity
• Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage
• 401(k) Plan
• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. , lawful permanent 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.

About AdAstra

This position is a direct hire, permanent placement for a client of AdAstra.

AdAstra's mission is building thriving teams within NewSpace, Defense Tech and CleanTech organizations.

Our commitment is to curate and close premier talent for our partners, achieved via specialized technical screening, personalized culture assessment, and high-touch candidate engagement. We are motivated to foster boundless team satisfaction and catalyze innovation for future , enabling inconceivable technology from Earth, to the stars.

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adastrata