Thermodynamics Engineer 2
- US citizenship
- ITAR / US person
About the job
Requisition ID:2221 ## At ULA, success comes through the efforts of a strong, united team. Thanks for your interest in United Launch Alliance, the world's most experienced and reliable space launch company! Successfully launching more than 155 consecutive missions with 100% mission success doesn't happen by accident.
It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you'll have the opportunity to grow in your career while working in a team-oriented culture that combines technology, innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to the extraordinary.
Whether you are in college just launching your career, or, have experience and want to come work with the best rocket team in the world, our unshakable unity yields stronger solutions and better results as we carry out our mission to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world.
Our team is excited to meet you! ## Job Overview & Responsibilities As a development thermodynamics, propulsion, and fluids analysis engineer at ULA, you will support fluids analysis activities and provide technical guidance across almost all fluid systems on the Vulcan Centaur launch vehicle and ground support systems. ## Responsibilities - Perform fluid systems analyses for a variety of propulsion applications, including pressurization systems, feedlines, cryogenic and non‑cryogenic propulsion systems, and ground support systems. - Conduct analytical evaluations such as liquid and gas flow characterization, flow loss calculations, two‑phase fluid physics, and heat‑transfer assessments. - Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams including Thermal Analysis, Propulsion Design & Strength, Flight and Ground Software, and Ground Systems. - Provide technical support to analysis teams, design teams, production operations, and launch‑site personnel to ensure robust vehicle designs that meet schedule, technical, and cost objectives. - Contribute to troubleshooting efforts, root‑cause investigations, and resolution of fluid‑system anomalies. ## Required Education Bachelor ## Required Years of Experience Minimum of 2 years of related work experience ## Basic Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Aerospace Engineering from an accredited institution - 2 years of related work experience - Coursework in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and programming - Proficiency with standard engineering software tools, including Microsoft Office products - Strong analytical skills and the ability to quickly learn fluid systems analysis methods, tools, and processes ## Preferred Qualifications - Experience with 3 rd party fluid system analysis tools such as Thermal Desktop / FloCAD (SINDA/FLUINT), AFT products, and ANSYS Fluent - Proficiency with MATLAB - Prior exposure to propulsion, thermal ‑ fluid analysis, or systems engineering through internships, projects, or coursework Summary Salary Range (for ULA - Denver only): $85,372.00 - $142,287.00 Please note that the salary information shown above is a general guideline only.
Salaries are based upon a candidate's experience and qualifications, as well as internal equity, market and business considerations. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in addition to base pay. ## What makes ULA different? Because we understand launch success comes through the collective efforts of a team, we seek the best to join us.
We value ethics, ingenuity, engagement and professional development for employees at all levels. ## We offer our employees competitive pay and benefits including - 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution - Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees - Generous paid time off - Flexible work environments Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a "9/80 schedule," meaning they enjoy every other Friday off.
Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Security Clearance / International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or protected individual. See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) and 8 U.S.C.
1324b(a)(3) for additional information). ULA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. ULA is a participant in the federal E-Verify Program. Posters in PDF format pertaining to this program can be accessed by clicking on the links identified below. E-Verify Participation poster ( English / Spanish ) and Right to Work Poster ( English / Spanish ).
Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires covered employees to follow a post selection notification process. A hired candidate may opt out of this process by notifying the hiring manager in writing at the time the offer is accepted
From United Launch Alliance's job posting, checked 7 Nov 2026. The employer's own page is the final word on requirements and availability.
Selected agencies hiring now
Chipton-RossEngineering and technical staffing agency
Aerospace and defense engineering staffing firm with offices in El Segundo, Long Beach and Playa Del Rey, California, Charleston, Pascagoula and Newport News, placing engineers, designers and technicians on contract and direct hire.
Places: Mechanical, Avionics, Systems & Test, Technicians
Contract Professionals Inc (CPI)Engineering and technical staffing agency
Aerospace and defense staffing firm in Waterford, Michigan, placing engineers, maintenance technicians, mechanics, welders and CNC machinists.
Places: Propulsion, Mechanical, Avionics, RF & Payloads
These agencies and apps pay SpaceJobs.Now a referral fee when someone we introduce is placed or signs up. It costs you nothing and never changes your pay. Employers' own jobs below keep their own order.
Sponsored jobs from job networks, which pay SpaceJobs.Now when you click one.
Free tools for this application: check your resume against this job, answer the application's questions or see every free tool.
New mechanical, structures and thermal engineering jobs in space in Colorado, by email
One email a week with the newest ones, straight from the employers' own careers sites, with the pay each posting states. Free, stop anytime.
About United Launch Alliance
Builds and flies the Atlas V and Vulcan rockets for national security, NASA and commercial customers.
Pay on its listings: 60.3% of its open jobs state an hourly rate
How it pays: Paid as an employee on United Launch Alliance's own payroll (salaried or hourly, as each posting states).
More open jobs at United Launch Alliance
- Embedded Flight Software Engineer 2
- Strength Analyst 3$99,604–$166,007/yr
- Network Administrator 3$99,604–$166,007/yr
- Systems Engineer 4$115,669–$192,782/yr
- Aerospace Technician
- Material & Process Engineer 4$121,307–$202,178/yr
More mechanical, structures and thermal engineering jobs in space
- Loads & Dynamics Engineer (Starshield)$100,000–$160,000/yr
- Spacecraft Dynamics Engineer$136,000–$220,000/yr
- Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer$150,000–$200,000/yr
- Senior Spacecraft Mechanical Engineer - Composites and Structures$175,000–$215,000/yr
- Vehicle Structures Engineer I (Heat Shield)$90,000–$136,000/yr
- Strength Analyst 3$99,604–$166,007/yr
A mechanical, structures or thermal engineer?
One profile for every employer here. Space companies and their recruiters ask us for people with a specific degree, clearance, specialty or location: add yours once, and when a job fits, we introduce you, only with your yes. Free.
United Launch Alliance openings, sent to you weekly
Each week we send the newest postings from United Launch Alliance's own careers site, along with similar openings at other space employers. It costs nothing and you can stop anytime.