Lead Thermal Engineer – Advanced High‑Altitude Aerospace Systems

Location: Albuquerque, NM
Employment: Full‑Time, Exempt
Compensation: Highly competitive + equity options + exceptional benefits
Industry: High‑Altitude Platforms / UAV / Aerospace R&D

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.

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.

The Role: Lead Thermal Engineer

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.

You’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.

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect, design, and optimize active and passive thermal control systems for high‑altitude aerospace platforms
• Perform steady‑state and transient thermal analysis using analytical and numerical tools
• Build, validate, and maintain thermal models to predict system performance across stratospheric conditions
• Lead material, insulation, coating, radiator, and thermal interface trade studies & selection processes
• Define thermal requirements, margins, and safe operating limits for avionics, batteries, payloads, and structures
• Support and interpret environmental testing including:
• Thermal vacuum
• Altitude simulation
• Thermal cycling
• Correlate test results to models and drive design updates
• Partner with electrical, mechanical, systems, and manufacturing teams to solve real-world thermal challenges
• Create clear documentation: models, analysis reports, test results, qualification data
• Present technical findings in design reviews and risk assessments
• Serve as a senior technical advisor on thermal risk, design decisions, and mission readiness

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors in mechanical engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or closely related field
• 5-10+ years of hands-on thermal engineering experience within aerospace or high‑altitude systems
• Proven experience supporting thermal design for UAS, drones, HAPS, or related flight vehicles
• Demonstrated ability to own thermal decisions and provide engineering leadership
• Strong applied understanding of heat transfer-especially in low-density, high‑altitude environments
• Proficiency in industry thermal modeling tools (ANSYS, Thermal Desktop, COMSOL, etc.)
• Experience across design → integration → testing → operational readiness
• Strong analytical skills and clear, structured technical communication

Benefits

The client provides an exceptional employee experience, including:

• Chef‑prepared lunches and on-site snacks
• Wellness perks (gym access, pickleball court)
• Dog‑friendly campus
• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision & disability insurance (82%+ employer-paid)
• 401(k) with company match
• Equity opportunities after one year
• A collaborative, high‑performance culture built around innovation and mission impact

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Callum Day