Thermal Engineer – Advanced Prototype Systems

We are seeking a Thermal Engineer to join a highly technical engineering organization developing first-of-a-kind prototype systems supporting complex national security missions across space, air, ground, and underwater platforms . You’ll work as part of a multidisciplinary team and contribute across the full engineering lifecycle—from concept development and system-level trade studies through prototype development, environmental testing, and on-orbit testing.

Title: Thermal Engineer – Advanced Prototype Systems
Hiring Organization: Connexion Systems & Engineering

Compensation, Benefits, and Employment Type

• Duration: 3- year contract position
• Pay rate: $60–$95/hour, DOE (higher for exceptional candidates)
• Job Location: Bedford, MA
• Work Model: Hybrid, 4 days onsite, 1 remote
• Security Clearance: must be eligible for Top Secret clearance
• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 1^st shift
• Job#: bh19551

Clearance & Location

• Candidates do not need an active security clearance to apply but must be willing and able to obtain a Top Secret clearance after starting.
• This is a 4-day onsite / 1-day remote position in Bedford, MA. Candidates who are not local must be willing to fully relocate to the area at the start of the assignment.

Description:
We are seeking a Thermal Engineer to join a highly technical engineering organization developing first-of-a-kind prototype systems supporting complex national security missions across space, air, ground, and underwater platforms.

This is a hands-on opportunity for an engineer who enjoys working at the intersection of thermal analysis, modeling and simulation, hardware development, integration, and testing. You’ll work as part of a multidisciplinary team and contribute across the full engineering lifecycle—from concept development and system-level trade studies through prototype development, environmental testing, and on-orbit testing.

Projects involve advanced thermal management, optical and communication systems, electronics, structures, and aerospace platforms, with challenging performance, size, weight, power, and environmental requirements.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and execute geometry-based thermal models for prototype systems and components.
• Apply appropriate thermo-physical and optical material properties and model mechanical, thermal, and radiative interfaces.
• Perform steady-state and transient thermal analyses to evaluate operating temperatures and mission requirements.
• Provide thermal engineering expertise for system-level trade studies, architecture decisions, and design reviews.
• Perform detailed thermal design and analysis for space-qualified optical and communications systems, electronics, structures, and supporting hardware.
• Evaluate, select, and procure thermal control hardware.
• Develop and execute plans for developmental, qualification, and acceptance testing.
• Support hardware development, integration, characterization, and environmental testing.
• Work collaboratively with structural, mechanical, electrical, optical, systems, and other engineering disciplines.
• Contribute to programs spanning platform-, subsystem-, and component-level development and multiple mission phases.
• Occasionally travel domestically to meetings and field sites (approximately 10% or less).

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Thermal Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of professional thermal engineering experience.
• 5+ years of thermal analysis experience.
• 5+ years of experience with Thermal Desktop — required.
• 5+ years of SolidWorks experience — required.
• Strong understanding of thermal modeling, analysis, and engineering design.
• Ability and willingness to obtain a Top Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Experience with thermal engineering for space-based and/or airborne platforms.
• Experience with orbital thermal analysis and modeling the space environment.
• Knowledge of passive and active thermal control techniques, including:
  • Heat pipes
  • Multilayer insulation (MLI)
  • Thermal coatings
  • Surface treatments
• Experience developing thermal architectures for space-based systems.
• Experience with thermal vacuum testing, including test planning and execution.
• Experience with ANSYS and/or COMSOL.
• Experience with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
• Experience with hardware characterization and environmental/performance testing.

Why This Opportunity?

• Work on advanced prototype systems across space, airborne, ground, and underwater applications.
• Apply thermal engineering expertise to complex, mission-critical hardware.
• Be involved throughout the engineering lifecycle—not just analysis, but design, hardware development, integration, and testing.
• Collaborate with experienced engineers across multiple technical disciplines.
• Opportunity for technical growth, mentorship, and increasing technical/program leadership.
• Exposure to challenging thermal problems involving cryogenic through hypersonic environments and demanding aerospace applications.

Please use the apply button to submit your resume for consideration. You will receive a brief survey via email to complete your application. Applicants who complete the survey will receive priority consideration.

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