Blue Origin

Satellite Thermal Engineer III

Seattle, WA Full time

Application close date:

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

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!  

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.

As part of a hardworking team of engineers you will be responsible for the thermal design, analysis, and testing of satellite systems within our In-Space Systems business unit. You will work within an integrated engineering team to develop innovative thermal control solutions for our spacecraft, ensuring optimal performance in the extreme conditions of space. Your expertise in thermal management will be crucial in supporting Blue Origin's mission of enabling millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth. 
 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:  

  • Design and implement thermal control systems for spacecraft and satellites, including radiators, multi-layer insulation (MLI), thermal coatings, heaters, and heat pipes 

  • Develop detailed thermal models and perform simulations using industry-standard software such as Thermal Desktop and SINDA/FLUINT 

  • Identify and manage worst-case scenarios in extreme thermal conditions (both hot and cold), accounting for orbital environmental factors and internal power losses 

  • Analyze and optimize heat transfer mechanisms within spacecraft systems 

  • Define thermal interfaces and ensure proper integration with other satellite subsystems 

  • Lead thermal qualification testing and validation activities for flight hardware 

  • Present technical information at design reviews and provide thermal analysis reports 


Minimum Qualifications:

  • B.S. degree in Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or related engineering field 

  • 5+ years of experience in spacecraft thermal engineering with demonstrated expertise in thermal analysis and design 

  • Proficiency with thermal modeling and analysis tools, particularly Thermal Desktop 

  • Experience designing and analyzing radiators, multi-layer insulation, and thermal control coatings for spacecraft applications 

  • Strong understanding of heat transfer principles and mechanisms in space environments 

  • Experience with thermal vacuum testing and correlation of thermal models to test data 

  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to a variety of audiences 

  • Demonstrated ability to lead technical efforts and drive solutions within an integrated engineering team 

 
Preferred Qualifications:

  • M.S. or Ph.D. in a relevant engineering discipline 

  • Knowledge of spacecraft power systems and their interaction with thermal management 

  • Experience with advanced thermal control technologies such as heat pipes, loop heat pipes, or mechanically pumped fluid loops 

  • Familiarity with the qualification process for spacecraft thermal systems 

  • Experience with technology development or maturation efforts, including leading development testing 


 

Compensation Range for:

CO applicants is $107,707.00-$150,789.45;WA applicants is $117,498.00-$164,497.20

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

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.

Export Control Regulations

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.

Background Check

  • 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

  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

  • Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

  • Benefits include:  Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.

  • Paid Time Off:  Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

  • Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and submit to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

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