Thermal Protection System Engineer

About the role

The Thermal Protection System Engineer at Canopy A&D is entrusted with owning the full strategic and tactical execution of thermal solutions for flight hardware, ensuring mission-critical reliability under extreme conditions. This individual is the primary architect of the thermal strategy, responsible for translating complex analysis and test data into concrete design modifications that preserve vehicle integrity. They own the requirement flowdown process, translating high-level program needs into specific thermal constraints and verification activities. Success in this role is defined by the ability to solve difficult thermal problems proactively while adhering to strict schedule and compliance demands. The position requires a disciplined engineer who can manage multiple technical threads simultaneously and adapt solutions as program priorities shift. This role is fundamental to the company's mission of delivering advanced materials that enable faster, cooler, and quieter platforms in defense and space applications. The engineer will act as the technical bridge between analysis, manufacturing, and testing teams to ensure seamless execution.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Analyze incoming technical requests to define thermal boundary conditions and performance constraints before initiating any modeling activities.
• Develop detailed thermal models that simulate heat transfer and structural response across the operating spectrum of aerospace vehicles.
• Evaluate test results and simulation data to pinpoint performance deviations and recommend targeted design improvements.
• Interface directly with suppliers to refine component designs and validate that manufactured thermal protection parts meet exact specifications.
• Produce precise documentation packages to support regulatory sign-off and satisfy internal quality assurance protocols.
• Synchronize schedules with program management to identify thermal risks early and drive mitigation actions that keep projects on track.
• Lead validation experiments that confirm analytical models accurately predict real-world thermal behavior under operational and extreme load scenarios.
• Translate complex thermal analysis outcomes into clear, concise findings for multidisciplinary audiences to facilitate informed trade-off decisions.
• Maintain a living understanding of aerospace vehicle testing standards to ensure all thermal solutions remain compliant and defensible.
• Guide material selection processes by assessing the durability, safety, and performance implications of candidate thermal protection systems.
• Track evolving mission requirements and adjust thermal strategies to align with new operational envelopes and environmental challenges.
• Champion a culture of precision by ensuring every thermal design decision is backed by data, verification, and traceability.
• Support the maturation of advanced signal attenuation technologies through practical thermal engineering insights and implementation.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of production-scale manufacturing practices to enhance thermal performance and reliability.

Requirements

• Bring a minimum of three years of hands-on experience specifically focused on thermal protection systems within aerospace or related high-tech sectors.
• Demonstrate proven skill with analysis tools that model heat transfer and structural response under demanding environmental conditions.
• Show a deep understanding of aerospace vehicle testing standards and the ability to interpret requirements and results accurately.
• Exhibit strong written and verbal communication skills to explain intricate thermal behavior to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Hold the ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Possess the capacity to manage concurrent engineering tasks while maintaining attention to detail and adherence to strict technical documentation standards.
• Be willing to adhere to company policies and regulatory guidelines that govern the handling of advanced materials and flight hardware.

Nice to have

• Experience with composite structures is highly valuable for this role.
• Additional expertise in advanced coatings that manage heat flow is considered a significant advantage.
• Familiarity with these materials enhances the ability to optimize thermal performance and support next-generation system designs.

Practical notes

This is a full-time position based in Irvine, California. The annual compensation range is set between 160,000 USD and 190,000 USD. The role requires on-site presence during standard business hours. Travel may be required to support validation experiments or supplier coordination as project needs dictate. Employment eligibility to work in the United States is required, and candidates must pass all necessary background checks. This position does not offer visa sponsorship at this time.