Thermal Engineer II - Payloads - TeraWave

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!   

Blue Origin is pioneering the future of space-based communications with TeraWave, a revolutionary satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. This multi-orbit constellation will consist of optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations worldwide.

This position is part of Blue Origin's TeraWave business unit, a newly announced satellite communications network designed to deliver symmetrical data speeds of up to 6 Tbps anywhere on Earth. TeraWave consists of 5,408 optically interconnected satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO), providing enterprise-grade connectivity for critical operations.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: • Support all aspects of thermal design for TeraWave satellite systems as part of a small, hard-working, and accomplished team of experts

• Design and implement thermal control systems for TeraWave satellite constellation, including radiators, multi-layer insulation, heat pipes, and other passive/active thermal control components

• Develop detailed thermal models using industry-standard tools like Thermal Desktop to predict spacecraft thermal behavior in the space environment

• Perform thermal analysis for LEO and MEO satellite configurations to ensure optimal performance of TeraWave's high- speed communications systems

• Integrate third-party thermal models into Blue Origin satellite models

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to establish thermal requirements and ensure thermal compatibility with other subsystems

• Develop thermal loads from first principles, literature, and experiment

• Support configuration development, detailed design, and verification activities

• Analyze thermal test data and correlate with thermal models to validate design performance

• Support thermal vacuum testing campaigns for TeraWave satellite hardware

• Develop thermal control procedures for spacecraft operations in various mission phases

• Troubleshoot thermal issues during integration and test phases

• Document and maintain analysis inputs, models, and results according to Blue Origin standards

Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

• 2+ years of experience in spacecraft thermal engineering or related thermal control systems

• Proficiency with thermal modeling software (e.g., Thermal Desktop, SINDA/FLUINT)

• Experience with thermal analysis of spacecraft systems and components

• Knowledge of heat transfer principles and thermal control techniques for space applications

• Familiarity with spacecraft thermal testing methodologies, including thermal vacuum testing

• Knowledge of space environment effects on thermal performance

• 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: • Extensive experience with logic-heavy Thermal Desktop models

• Experience with thermal design for satellite constellations or communications satellites

• Experience with high production rate manufacturing and test

• Experience with thermal component and material selection and system integration

• Knowledge of optical communications systems and their thermal requirements

• Experience with thermal-structural coupled analysis

• Knowledge of advanced thermal control technologies (e.g., variable conductance heat pipes, loop heat pipes ,phase change materials)

• Familiarity with knowledge capture systems, integrated engineering tools and rapid development processes

• Knowledge in the use of 3D CAD tools

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Excellent communication and documentation abilities

  Base Pay Range for: WA applicants is $107,136.00 - $149,990.40 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, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) an

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