Hybrid Thermal Engineer at Karman+

Position: Thermal Engineer

Mission: High Frontier - Lead Design, Development, and Integration of Thermal Control Spacecraft Subsystem

Location: Denver, CO

Position Type: Full-time

About us

We’re Karman+, a fast-moving space startup on a mission to redefine what small, dedicated teams can achieve in space. Our High Frontier mission requires seamless integration of thermal control with other subsystems—propulsion, avionics, structures, power, and communication—into a single, mission-ready spacecraft. If you are a thermal engineer with experience in end-to-end spacecraft thermal management spanning design, analysis, integration, test, and in-space operations, we want to hear from you.

The Role

As a Thermal Engineer (Responsible Engineer - RE) at Karman+, you will hold end-to-end accountability for the design, development, integration, and operation of the thermal control spacecraft subsystem. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that the thermal subsystem integrates seamlessly with the overall spacecraft and meets all mission, regulatory, and operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the spacecraft thermal management system, from initial concept through detailed design, integration, testing, deployment, and in-service support for the entire spacecraft platform and subsystems such as propulsion, avionics and structures.
• Independently drive technical, financial, and operational decisions related to the thermal control system, understanding its impact on the broader mission objectives and timelines.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams—including software, structures, procurement, manufacturing, and testing—resolving challenges and ensuring smooth subsystem integration and collaborating with test engineers to align on requirements and testing protocols.
• Conduct scale thermal simulations with tools such as Simcenter or Thermal Desktop
• Manage project timelines and budgets for subsystem development, working with project management to track progress and address any deviations.
• Provide on-the-spot problem-solving for technical issues, both during testing phases and in-space operations as needed.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, environmental, and mission-specific standards, including NASA, ESA, and industry standards.
• Drive subsystem improvements through iterative design changes and enhancements, applying lessons learned for future designs.

What You Bring

• Foundational experience in thermal engineering, with hands-on experience in spacecraft thermal systems. 
• Previous experience with end-to-end ownership of a subsystem design and integration. 
• Proven ability to independently manage subsystem projects, from design through testing and deployment.
• Familiarity with CAD and analysis packages such as Simcenter or Thermal Desktop.
• Experience working within a regulated environment with strict adherence to engineering standards (e.g., NASA, ESA, or similar).
• Expertise in subsystem design, testing, and integration, with demonstrated experience in one or more spacecraft systems (e.g., propulsion, avionics, structures).
• Proficiency with technical documentation, configuration management, and project tracking tools.
• Understand relevant space mission standards and testing environments.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, able to interface effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Analytical and decision-making skills with a strong understanding of mission priorities and the ability to balance technical, budgetary, and schedule requirements.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in deep space or interplanetary missions.
• Background in risk management, failure analysis, or continuous improvement methodologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
• Foundational experience across: thermophysics, heat transfer, aerodynamics, gas dynamics, propulsion and computational fluid dynamics.
• You are authorized to work in the U.S. as a US citizen (or equivalent) and can work in an ITAR-compliant environment. 

Additional Information

We Offer

Our cash compensation amount for this role is targeted at $100,000.00 - $140,000.00 annually in this location. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors including candidate experience and expertise and may vary from the amount listed above.

Top Benefits & Perks

As a member of the Karman+ team, you’ll enjoy an impressive benefits package:

• Equity Incentives - Participate in our shared success.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans for top tier plans with additional buy-up plan options. 
• Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability covered by Karman+
• Basic Life Insurance covered by Karman+
• 401k plan
• Unlimited Paid Time Off - We focus on what you get done, not how many hours or days you work.

Location & Work Environment

This position is full-time in-person at our offices & lab in Denver, CO. If you reside in locations outside of daily commuting distance you will be considered, however, no relocation or travel assistance will be provided by Karman+ for this position. This position operates in an office environment. This entails working inside in an office space wherein you may be provided with a public work station (cubicle) or private offices. In the performance of the duties and responsibilities of this job, you will be required to view a computer terminal for prolonged periods of time..

Travel

Occasional travel to work site locations may be expected. Overnight stays may be required from time to time for training, seminars, conferences, meetings, events, or visits to onsite locations.

Disclaimer

This job posting is not intended to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required. Karman+ reserves the right to change or assign additional duties, responsibilities, and activities at any time with or without notice. 

Hiring Practices

Karman+ is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact hr@karmanplus.com.