Lead Thermal Engineer

<p><strong>Lead Thermal Engineer &#8211; Advanced High‑Altitude Aerospace Systems</strong></p> <p><strong>Location:</strong> Albuquerque, NM<br /> <strong>Employment:</strong> Full‑Time, Exempt<br /> <strong>Compensation:</strong> Highly competitive + equity options + exceptional benefits<br /> <strong>Industry:</strong> High‑Altitude Platforms / UAV / Aerospace R&amp;D</p> <p>Our client is a rapidly scaling, mission‑driven aerospace organization developing next‑generation high‑altitude platform systems (HAPS) that operate in the stratosphere at 18-21km. Their technology enables capabilities traditionally requiring satellites-telecommunications, imaging, remote sensing, disaster response, climate monitoring, and national security applications-but with far greater responsiveness and a fraction of the cost.</p> <p>They are widely regarded as the most advanced company globally in this segment and are entering a major ramp‑up as they move toward commercial operations.</p> <p><strong>The Role: Lead Thermal Engineer</strong></p> <p>We are seeking a hands-on, technically proven Lead Thermal Engineer to guide the development, analysis, and validation of thermal systems across multiple advanced aerospace platforms. This includes avionics, payloads, propulsion-adjacent systems, batteries, structures, and other flight-critical subsystems.</p> <p>You&#8217;ll be the senior technical authority for thermal design-owning models, driving decisions, shaping system architecture, and influencing vehicle readiness. This role is central to ensuring safe, reliable operation in the extremely demanding stratospheric environment.</p> <p>If you are looking to lead thermal engineering on real hardware, in an organization that moves fast and values strong judgment, you will excel here.</p> <li>Architect, design, and optimize active and passive thermal control systems for high‑altitude aerospace platforms</li> <li>Perform steady‑state and transient thermal analysis using analytical and numerical tools</li> <li>Build, validate, and maintain thermal models to predict system performance across stratospheric conditions</li> <li>Lead material, insulation, coating, radiator, and thermal interface trade studies &amp; selection processes</li> <li>Define thermal requirements, margins, and safe operating limits for avionics, batteries, payloads, and structures</li> <li>Support and interpret environmental testing including:</li> <li>Correlate test results to models and drive design updates</li> <li>Partner with electrical, mechanical, systems, and manufacturing teams to solve real-world thermal challenges</li> <li>Create clear documentation: models, analysis reports, test results, qualification data</li> <li>Present technical findings in design reviews and risk assessments</li> <li>Serve as a senior technical advisor on thermal risk, design decisions, and mission readiness</li> <li>Bachelors in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or closely related field</li> <li>5-10+ years of hands-on thermal engineering experience within aerospace or high‑altitude systems</li> <li>Proven experience supporting thermal design for UAS, drones, HAPS, or related flight vehicles</li> <li>Demonstrated ability to own thermal decisions and provide engineering leadership</li> <li>Strong applied understanding of heat transfer-especially in low-density, high‑altitude environments</li> <li>Proficiency in industry thermal modeling tools (ANSYS, Thermal Desktop, COMSOL, etc.)</li> <li>Experience across design → integration → testing → operational readiness</li> <li>Strong analytical skills and clear, structured technical communication</li> <p>The client provides an exceptional employee experience, including:</p> <li>Chef‑prepared lunches and on-site snacks</li> <li>Wellness perks (gym access, pickleball court)</li> <li>Comprehensive medical, dental, vision &amp; disability insurance (82%+ employer-paid)</li> <li>401(k) with company match</li> <li>Equity opportunities after one year</li> <li>A collaborative, high‑performance culture built around innovation and mission impact</li> <p>Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.</p> <p><img src="https://counter.adcourier.com/Q2FsbHVtLkRheS44Mzk2My4xMjc4NEBkYXJ3aW4uYXBsaXRyYWsuY29t.gif"></p> <p><span style="color: #ffffff">Callum Day</span></p>