Sr Thermal Analysis Engineer - Exploration Systems

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!  

As a member of the Blue Origin family of companies Honeybee Robotics has been at the forefront of robotics for over 40 years, establishing ourselves as pioneers in developing novel exploration systems for the most extreme planetary environments. At our Southern California location, we look to "Touch Life" by supporting planetary science, including every NASA Mars rover since Spirit and Opportunity. We aim to "Mine the Sky" through the development of practical In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) solutions. We search for technically brilliant individuals in engineering, software, and support fields who take ownership of their work, enjoy collaborating in teams, and have a laser focus on the details that drive excellence.

Exploration Systems is seeking an experienced Thermal Engineer III/IV with technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to join our team. You will be responsible for leading projects that require advanced thermal analysis expertise. You will contribute to the definition and development of spacecraft thermal control systems. In this role, you will drive component and system thermal requirement development and determine performance requirements, interfaces, and allocated resources (mass, power, etc.) for critical thermal components. You will be pivotal in ensuring the thermal integrity of our aerospace components/system, leading complex analyses, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver results. Your primary responsibility will be to conduct thermal analyses, applying state-of-the-art techniques to design, develop, and test groundbreaking space electro-mechanical and avionics systems.

Exploration Systems specializes in the development of advanced robotic systems and technology solutions. Our focus is on creating innovative mechanisms and instruments for a wide range of applications, including space exploration, planetary science, and various terrestrial industries. Our expertise includes designing drilling and sampling systems, robotic arms, mobility systems, and custom solutions that meet the complex needs of challenging environments. We are known for our pioneering work on technologies that enable exploration and operations in harsh conditions, aiming to advance human and robotic capabilities through cutting-edge engineering and collaboration.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Lead and conduct thermal analysis for space electro-mechanical and avionics systems
• Lead project teams, manage deliverables, and ensure timely completion of project milestones.
• Ability to perform trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals to make clear recommendations with partial information
• Strong grasp of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and mechanical design
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, and test teams to ensure accurate results and compliance with specifications.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior analysts/engineers.
• Interpret analytical results to support testing and design optimization of electro-mechanical system
• Produces engineering documentations, reports, and manipulates technical data from hardware testing.
• Identify and implement best practices for thermal analysis methodologies.
• Lead project teams, manage deliverables, and ensure timely completion of project milestones.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related discipline with 8+ years of relevant experience in field of thermal, thermodynamics, and/or fluids.
• Expert understanding of heat transfer, flow, and thermodynamic principles
• Proven experience performing thermal analysis within the space industry
• Proficiency with spacecraft thermal control solution
• Familiarity with common spacecraft thermal hardware
• Strong understanding of product development cycle in space industry.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with experience in leading cross-functional projects.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication abilities
• Proficiency with tools such as Thermal Desktop, SINDA