Lead Thermal Engineer
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Location: Up to 50% travel to Moriarty, NM
About the Opportunity
LHH is partnering with a cutting‑edge aerospace organization developing next‑generation, high‑altitude platforms used for communications, imaging, and remote‑sensing applications. These platforms operate in extreme stratospheric environments and support a range of commercial, environmental, and defense missions.
We are seeking a Lead Thermal Engineer with demonstrated, hands‑on experience designing, analyzing, and validating thermal systems for advanced aerospace vehicles. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in fast‑paced R&D environments and who brings proven expertise supporting thermal decisions that directly impact mission performance and system reliability.
About the Role
As the Lead Thermal Engineer, you will be responsible for developing thermal strategies and ensuring the reliable performance of avionics, structures, payloads, and propulsion‑adjacent systems operating at high altitudes. This position requires strong applied thermal engineering experience, sound technical judgment, and the ability to collaborate across multiple engineering disciplines.
You will serve as a trusted technical advisor, driving thermal control system development and supporting hardware throughout design, test, integration, and operational readiness.
Key Responsibilities
Design, analyze, and optimize active and passive thermal control systems for high‑altitude aerospace platforms
Perform steady‑state and transient thermal analyses using analytical and numerical approaches
Develop, validate, and maintain thermal models to predict system behavior under stratospheric and mission‑specific conditions
Conduct trade studies and support material selections for insulation, coatings, radiators, and thermal interface materials
Define thermal requirements, operating limits, and margins for avionics, batteries, payloads, and structural components
Support environmental testing including thermal vacuum, altitude simulation, and temperature cycling
Evaluate test data, correlate with thermal models, and recommend design refinements
Partner with mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and systems engineering leaders to resolve thermal challenges
Prepare detailed documentation covering design analyses, test reports, and compliance with engineering standards
Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or closely related field
5-10 years of hands‑on experience in thermal analysis and thermal system design for aerospace or high‑altitude flight vehicles
Practical experience supporting thermal management for drones, UAS, HAPS, or similar platforms
Proven ability to independently own thermal analyses and provide sound recommendations to engineering leadership
Strong applied understanding of conduction, convection, and radiation in low‑density/high‑altitude environments
Experience developing and correlating thermal models with tools such as ANSYS, Thermal Desktop, COMSOL, or similar
Experience supporting hardware through design, test, integration, and operational readiness (not only theoretical/academic work)
Ability to work effectively in a fast‑moving, R&D‑driven aerospace environment
Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and documentation skills
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering
Direct experience with stratospheric platforms, long‑duration unmanned systems, or high‑altitude vehicles
Hands‑on experience with thermal vacuum testing or environmental qualification campaigns
Knowledge of lightweight structures, composites, or advanced aerospace materials
Experience supporting flight‑critical, mission‑critical, or certified hardware
What We Offer
The hiring organization provides an exceptional work environment built around innovation, collaboration, and employee well‑being:
Onsite chef‑prepared lunches
Snacks and refreshments available throughout the day
Access to wellness amenities including gym facilities, pickleball court, and outdoor dog area
Dog‑friendly workplace
Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, disability) with generous employer contributions
401(k) with company match
A high‑performance culture where your work directly shapes the future of aerospace technology
Pay Details: $120,000.00 to $170,000.00 per year
Search managed by: Megan McQuay
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
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