Thermal Engineer, Project Sunrise

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).