Thermal Engineer, Project Sunrise

Application close date:

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!  

Join Blue Origin as we build infrastructure in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re developing a satellite constellation of orbital data centers, Sunrise, designed to transform how compute infrastructure is deployed and leveraged.

Our team is developing next-generation spacecraft that push the boundaries of performance and capability in orbit. We are seeking a passionate and skilled Thermal Engineer to focus on the design, analysis, and integration of advanced heat rejection systems. You will be a key contributor to the thermal architecture of our in-space systems, with a specific emphasis on designing high-performance space radiators. This role involves applying fundamental thermal principles and advanced analysis tools, including CFD, to solve complex heat transfer challenges and ensure mission success in the harsh environment of space.

• →Design and analyze high-performance radiators and other thermal control systems (e.g., heat pipes, cold plates, vapor chambers, oscillating heat pipes, and pumped fluid loops) for spacecraft.
• →Develop and apply thermal models to predict and validate the performance of components and integrated systems, using tools such as Thermal Desktop, Sinda/Fluint, and CFD software.
• →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 initial concept and trade studies through detailed design, manufacturing, and testing.
• →Use CFD and other analysis tools 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.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in thermal design and analysis, OR an advanced degree (Master's or PhD) with a focus on heat transfer or thermal-fluid sciences.
• Demonstrated understanding of fundamental heat transfer principles (conduction, convection, and radiation).
• Experience with at least one thermal analysis or CFD software package (e.g., 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.

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in a relevant field with a 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 industry-standard thermal analysis software such as 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.
• Passion for and understanding of AI and Machine Learning applications in engineering, with a demonstrated ability to learn and integrate new technologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Base Pay Range for:

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

• Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check
• Required for Certain Job Profiles:  Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
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