Principal Thermal Engineer

A new space race has begun. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build innovative technology that solves the next generation of engineering, manufacturing, and operational challenges for space security and sustainability.

OUR MISSION

The peaceful use of space is essential for continued prosperity on Earth—from communications and finance to navigation and logistics. True Anomaly builds innovative technology at the intersection of spacecraft, software, and AI to enhance the capabilities of the U.S., its allies, and commercial partners. We safeguard global security by ensuring space access and sustainability for all.

OUR VALUES

• Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity

• What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results

• It’s the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together

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

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.

True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.