Thermal Engineer – Advanced Prototype Systems
Posted: 09/10/2026
Industry: Engineering and Technical
Job Number: 19551
Security Clearance: Ability to obtain Top Secret
Work Model: Hybrid
Job Description
Title: Thermal Engineer – Advanced Prototype Systems
Hiring Organization: Connexion Systems & Engineering
Compensation, Benefits, and Employment Type
Clearance & Location
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
Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Why This Opportunity?
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.
You can review our other job postings at https://jobs.csetalent.com/.
If you are active in a job search but this job is not for you, please reach out to jobpostings@csetalent.com. We would be glad to help you find the perfect job!
Connexion’s mission is to provide "best in class" services to job seekers. We strive to achieve excellence in job placement, staffing, and recruiting services, while treating candidates with the professionalism and respect they deserve.
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, 1st 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.
You can review our other job postings at https://jobs.csetalent.com/.
If you are active in a job search but this job is not for you, please reach out to jobpostings@csetalent.com. We would be glad to help you find the perfect job!
Connexion’s mission is to provide "best in class" services to job seekers. We strive to achieve excellence in job placement, staffing, and recruiting services, while treating candidates with the professionalism and respect they deserve.
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Explore exciting job opportunities in and around Bedford, Massachusetts! Located in Middlesex County, just a short drive from Boston, this charming town offers a perfect blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. With close proximity to historic sites like the Bedford Flag and the Minute Man National Historical Park, as well as a thriving arts scene showcased at the Higgins Art Gallery, job seekers can enjoy a rich cultural experience while advancing their careers. Indulge in delicious New England cuisine, catch a show at the nearby Merrimack Repertory Theatre, or cheer on the beloved Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Embrace the picturesque beauty of nature at nearby Bedford Center Park or take a stroll by the Concord River. Don't miss the chance to grow both personally and professionally in this vibrant and dynamic region!