Principal Thermal Engineer

YOUR MISSION

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

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 

QUALIFICATIONS

• 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 

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• 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 

COMPENSATION

• Base Salary:  $200,000 - $280,000
• Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave 

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience. 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work Location—Successful candidates will be located near Denver. 
• Work environment—the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
• Physical demands—the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsite