Sr Thermal Analysis Engineer - Honeybee Robotics Space Exploration Systems Verified today

Role Overview

Honeybee Robotics, a Blue Origin company, is seeking an experienced Senior Thermal Systems/Analysis Engineer to lead thermal control system architecture and design for space exploration systems. You will conduct advanced thermal analyses, develop spacecraft thermal control strategies, and drive thermal requirement definition for critical components and systems across all program phases from concept through hardware delivery and mission operations.

What You Will Do

• Own and lead the thermal control system (TCS) architecture and design for space electro-mechanical and avionics systems across all program phases, from concept through hardware delivery and mission operations.
• Define thermal control strategies and select appropriate solutions including passive and active systems, MLI blankets, thermal coatings, heat pipes, heaters, thermostats, radiators, and thermal isolators.
• Lead and conduct comprehensive thermal analysis including steady-state, transient, and trajectory-dependent analyses to characterize thermal environments and verify thermal control system performance.
• Develop, validate, and maintain high-fidelity thermal math models (TMMs) using Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, and ANSYS Workbench, and correlate models to test data and flight telemetry.
• Perform rigorous thermal design trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals, providing clear recommendations to support design decisions.
• Apply expertise in heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics to solve complex thermal challenges across electro-mechanical and avionics systems.
• Define thermal requirements, allocations, and verification approaches for hardware at the component, subsystem, and system level.
• Lead thermal system integration activities in collaboration with structural, mechanical, avionics, and propulsion engineering teams.
• Develop and execute thermal test plans including thermal vacuum (TVAC), thermal cycling, and acceptance testing to validate thermal control system performance.
• Collect, process, and analyze thermal test data from hardware testing to validate thermal models and support design decisions.
• Support and present thermal system analysis and design products at design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR) and key program milestones.
• Lead cross-functional project teams, manage deliverables, and ensure timely completion of program milestones.
• Provide technical mentorship to junior thermal engineers and analysts, elevating team capability and fostering a culture of engineering excellence.
• Identify and champion best practices and process improvements for thermal systems engineering methodologies.
• Produce high-quality thermal system engineering documentation, analysis reports, and presentations suitable for internal reviews and customer delivery.
• Communicate complex thermal systems results clearly to multi-disciplinary teams, program management, and customers.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or closely related technical discipline.
• Level 4 (Senior): 8+ years of relevant experience in thermal systems engineering, thermal analysis, thermodynamics, and/or fluid systems. Level 5 (Principal): 15+ years of relevant experience in thermal systems engineering, thermal analysis, thermodynamics, and/or fluid systems.
• Proven, hands-on experience designing and analyzing thermal control systems within the space or aerospace industry.
• Expert-level understanding of heat transfer (conduction, convection, radiation), fluid flow, and thermodynamic principles as applied to spacecraft thermal control systems.
• Deep familiarity with spacecraft thermal control hardware including heaters, MLI blankets, thermal coatings, heat pipes, radiators, thermostats, and thermal isolators.
• Proficiency with industry-standard thermal analysis tools including Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, and ANSYS Workbench, including model development, validation, correlation, and uncertainty quantification.
• Experience defining thermal requirements, thermal control strategies, and verification approaches at the component, subsystem, and system level.
• Strong understanding of structural and mechanical design fundamentals as they relate to passive thermal hardware integration and producibility.
• Solid grasp of the product development lifecycle in the space industry from design through test, verification, and operations.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional engineering teams and managing complex, multi-deliverable projects.
• Ability to write clear, concise technical reports and present findings confidently to multi-disciplinary audiences.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with a track record of delivering results in fast-paced environments.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with lunar surface thermal environments including diurnal temperature extremes, hard vacuum conditions, solar and albedo flux, regolith thermal properties, and eclipse and survival heating considerations.
• Hands-on experience with electro-mechanical systems thermal control system design and integration.
• Avionics thermal systems expertise at the component and system level.
• Familiarity with cryogenic thermal control systems.
• Proficiency in trajectory-dependent thermal analysis for launch vehicles or spacecraft.
• Working knowledge of aerospace standards and regulations including NASA-STD, ECSS, and MIL-HDBK as they apply to thermal control systems.
• Experience on verification and validation programs for complex spaceflight systems.
• Knowledge of MATLAB and/or Python for scripting, data analysis, and thermal model automation.
• Experience with 3D CAD tools, preferably Autodesk Inventor.
• Strong executive-level reporting and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to prioritize and deliver under tight deadlines in dynamic program environments.

Work Environment

The role requires working in an office/laboratory environment in Altadena, CA with occasional visits to test facilities and manufacturing sites. Relocation assistance is provided.

Compensation and Benefits

Base Pay Range for CA applicants: $145,188.00 to $203,263.20 (other site ranges may differ).

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with company match up to 5%, Education Support Program, stock options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week), and up to four weeks paid time off per year plus up to 14 company-paid holidays. Bonus eligibility and amounts are not guaranteed and subject to change.