Thermal Engineer, Project Sunrise Verified today
About the Role
Join Blue Origin's Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering (ACE) team to develop next-generation spacecraft thermal systems for Project Sunrise, a satellite constellation of orbital data centers. You will design, analyze, and integrate advanced heat rejection systems, with specific emphasis on high-performance space radiators. You will apply thermal principles and advanced analysis tools to solve complex heat transfer challenges in the harsh space environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and analyze high-performance radiators and thermal control systems (heat pipes, cold plates, vapor chambers, oscillating heat pipes, pumped fluid loops) for spacecraft.
- Develop and apply thermal models using Thermal Desktop, Sinda/Fluint, and CFD software to predict and validate component and system performance.
- Perform detailed analysis of spacecraft thermal environments, including orbital mechanics and solar, albedo, and planetary IR heating.
- Support the full lifecycle of thermal hardware from concept and trade studies through detailed design, manufacturing, and testing.
- Use CFD to investigate complex thermal-fluid phenomena, such as two-phase flow in heat rejection loops.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to define thermal requirements, interfaces, and integration strategies.
- Analyze test data to anchor thermal models and demonstrate compliance with requirements.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
- 2+ years of experience in thermal design and analysis, OR an advanced degree (Master's or PhD) with focus on heat transfer or thermal-fluid sciences.
- Demonstrated understanding of fundamental heat transfer principles (conduction, convection, radiation).
- Experience with at least one thermal analysis or CFD software package (Thermal Desktop, Sinda/Fluint, Star-CCM+, Ansys Fluent).
- 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
- Ph.D. or Master's degree in a relevant field with dissertation/thesis focused on heat transfer, radiator technology, or CFD.
- Experience in the design and analysis of thermal systems for spacecraft or vacuum environments.
- Proficiency with Thermal Desktop and Sinda/Fluint.
- Experience modeling two-phase flow, heat pipes, cryogenic fluids, or other complex thermal-fluid systems.
- Knowledge of spacecraft thermal control hardware and materials.
- Understanding of AI and Machine Learning applications in engineering, with demonstrated ability to learn and integrate new technologies.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Compensation
Base pay range varies by location:
- Colorado: $98,208 - $137,491.20
- Washington: $107,136 - $149,990.40
Benefits
- 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 regular employees (20+ hours/week).
- Up to four weeks paid time off per year based on scheduled hours.
- Up to 14 company-paid holidays.
- Performance bonuses based on role and level (not guaranteed).