Principal Thermal Analysis Engineer - Honeybee Robotics Space Exploration Systems

About this role

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.

Honeybee Robotics' Exploration Systems division is seeking an experienced Thermal System/Analysis Engineer 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!

Special Mentions: • The role requires working in an office/laboratory environment (Altadena, CA) with occasional visits to test facilities and manufacturing sites • Relocation assistance is provided

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: • Own and lead the thermal control system (TCS) architecture and design for space electro-mechanical and avionics systems across all program phases — from concept through hardware delivery and mission operations. • Define thermal control strategies and select appropriate thermal control solutions including passive and active systems, MLI blankets, thermal coatings, heat pipes, heaters, thermostats, radiators, and thermal isolators. • Lead and conduct comprehensive thermal analysis including steady-state, transient, and trajectory-dependent analyses to characterize thermal environments and verify thermal control system performance. • Develop, validate, and maintain high-fidelity thermal math models (TMMs) using Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT, and ANSYS Workbench, and correlate models to test data and flight telemetry. • Perform rigorous thermal design trade studies using first principles and engineering fundamentals, providing clear, defensible recommendations to support design decisions. • Apply deep expertise in heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics to solve complex thermal challenges across electro-mechanical and avionics systems. • Define thermal requirements, allocations, and verification approaches for hardware at the component, subsystem, and system level. • Lead thermal system integration activities in collaboration with structural, mechanical, avionics, and propulsion engineering teams to ensure compliant and producible thermal designs. • Develop and execute thermal test plans including thermal vacuum (TVAC), thermal cycling, and acceptance testing to validate thermal control system performance and verify compliance with requirements. • Collect, process, and analyze thermal test data from hardware testing to validate thermal models and support design decisions. • Support and present thermal system analysis and design products at design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR, FRR) and key program milestones. • Lead cross-functional project teams, manage deliverables, and ensure timely completion of program milestones. • Provide technical mentorship to junior thermal engineers and analysts, elevating team capability and fostering a culture of engineering excellence. • Identify and champion best practices and process improvements for thermal systems engineering methodologies across the organization. • Produce high-quality thermal system engineering documentation, analysis reports, and presentations suitable for internal reviews and customer delivery. • Communicate complex thermal systems results clearly to multi-disciplinary teams, program management, and customers.

Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or closely related technical discipli

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