Senior Thermal Engineer, Space Payloads

Blue Origin; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 157,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

Stock options

Paid time off

Education support program

Job summary

Blue Origin is seeking a Senior Thermal Engineer to lead thermal design and analysis for satellite payloads and in‑space constellation solutions. You will drive cross‑disciplinary integration across payload, mechanical, avionics, and power subsystems to ensure reliable performance in LEO and other orbits.

The role requires 7+ years in aerospace thermal engineering, experience with spaceborne thermal design and qualification testing, and strong modeling skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in thermal engineering for aerospace systems.
• Experience with spaceborne thermal design, vacuum environments, radiation heat transfer, and flight hardware qualification.
• Experience with thermal modeling tools (Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, ANSYS Icepak or equivalent).
• Knowledge of materials, coatings, and thermal interface technologies for space systems.
• Familiarity with NASA/ESA/MIL-STD standards and qualification testing.
• Excellent communication and ability to influence multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to obtain and maintain TS//SCI clearance; must be a U.S. citizen or national.

Responsibilities

• Lead thermal design and analysis for satellite-based high‑power payloads and power electronics.
• Develop detailed thermal models covering conduction, radiation, and convection regimes.
• Define and manage thermal interfaces across payload subsystems (radiators, loop heat pipes, cold plates).
• Perform transient and steady‑state thermal analyses under mission profiles and worst‑case environmental conditions.
• Develop thermal architecture for common bus/payload configurations across programs.
• Define thermal qualification, margins, and verification plans per standards.
• Collaborate with payload, mechanical, power, and systems engineering teams.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to best practices in thermal engineering.

Skills

Thermal engineering

Systems engineering

Communication skills

Clearance planning

Education

Bachelor’s in mechanical/aerospace engineering or related field

Master’s or PhD in related field

Tools

Thermal Desktop

SINDA/FLUINT

ANSYS Icepak

Job description

Blue Origin is seeking a Senior Thermal Engineer to lead thermal design and analysis for satellite payloads and in‑space constellation solutions. You will drive cross‑disciplinary integration across payload, mechanical, avionics, and power subsystems to ensure reliable performance in LEO and other orbits.

The role requires 7+ years in aerospace thermal engineering, experience with spaceborne thermal design and qualification testing, and strong modeling skills.